Results 1-20 of 8,130 for speaker:James Browne

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: In regard to ensuring the extensions are not sought for speculative purposes, the extension of duration provisions are time-bound and cease to have effect if the development has not commenced within 18 months of the coming into operation of the provision. The fact the extension ceases to have operation or effect if the development is not commenced should deter speculative applications. ...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: Local authorities are very experienced in enforcement.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: We will always keep these things under review and monitored. In relation to this, I do not see any risk of speculation. There are strict time-bound limits in there. I think those are sufficient to ensure commencements are carried out.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: Amendments Nos. 10 and 12 to 14, inclusive, seek to amend the timelines in section 16, which amends section 42 of the Act of 2000. Amendments Nos. 10 and 12 seek to provide that applications for extension of duration of uncommenced housing developments may only be made in the last year of permission remaining, rather than the last two years, as set out in the Bill. Existing planning...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: The RZLT is resulting in more land transfers. I am very satisfied of that. It has a cumulative effect. As time goes on, we will see an increasing rate of transfers as a result of the 3% year on year. It only commenced its application this year and there is a review to be carried out each year. In relation to the amendments, I am satisfied the timelines strike the necessary balance....

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: The rules and procedures of the High Court are set out in the rules of the superior courts and these are made by the Superior Courts Rules Committee in concurrence with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. If by good practice guidelines the Deputy is talking about practice directions, it is my understanding that these are issued by the President of the High Court under...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: I am very strongly of the view that the operation and procedures of the superior courts is a matter for the Judiciary of the superior courts. It would be inappropriate for the Oireachtas to set down statutory timelines for the courts. The courts need to be able to manage their lists in the manner they see fit. That is my personal opinion and my position as an officeholder.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: Amendment No. 8 seeks to introduce a use it or lose it principle into the Act of 2024. The amendment itself does not appear to amend a specific section of the Act of 2024 or to outline any details or criteria concerning the timeframes to be specified for commencement or what penalties may be applied. While it is, of course, important that we encourage holders of permissions to commence...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: I will address amendments Nos. 5, 15 and 19 together. These amendments relate to the Bill's compliance with the Aarhus Convention. Amendment No. 5 seeks to provide for third-party observations as part of the suspension of duration of a permission while it is subject to a judicial review by amending section 13. Amendment No. 15 seeks to make similar provisions for third-party...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: The amendment seeks to amend section 13, which amends section 180 of the Act of 2024. In relation to the suspension of the duration of permission while a judicial review is ongoing, the current provisions provide that where a person is seeking a suspension of duration in respect of a concluded judicial review, they must submit a declaration that the development did not substantially commence...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: Obviously, the amount of time given will be up to the Business Committee, but I have no difficulty with substantial time being given for it.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: I will address amendments Nos. 2 and 9 as tabled. Amendment No. 2 seeks to reduce the standard duration of a permission in the Act of 2024 from five years down to three years, while amendment No. 9 seeks to make the same amendment in respect of the 2000 Act. I cannot accept these amendments. The purpose of having a specified period for a planning permission to act upon is to balance the...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: I thank the Deputies for their contributions. I understand where both Deputies are coming from. Having examined it, there are some challenges around shortening the period. I understand the Deputies' intention. However, when we look at the necessity for bigger projects to secure finance, deal with compliance and complete the development, the five-year period is a more balanced approach to...

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee and Remaining Stages (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: Amendment No. 1 seeks to provide for the zoning of land for the particular use of affordable housing. The amendment itself appears to amend a wrong section of the Bill, as section 4 of the Bill amends section 45 of the principal Act, which deals with the implementation and monitoring of regional spatial and economic strategies. In any event, I cannot accept this amendment as zoning...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Wildlife Conservation (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: The Irish hare is protected under the Irish Wildlife Acts and under the EU’s Habitats Directive. As such Ireland is required to ensure the favourable conservation status of the species. The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department undertakes regular monitoring surveys of hares nationally. From their work, and the results of surveys in other countries, it is...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authorities (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible. My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: National Archives (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: The Wildlife Act 1976 was sponsored by the Minister for Lands and came into operation on 1 June 1977. My Department is seeking to establish the custody of the files referenced, the extent to which those files have been archived and to ensure that these files are identified, archived and made available for inspection. The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department (NPWS) has...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Rental Sector (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: Reply not received from Department.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Provision (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: Reply not received from Department.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Local Authorities (9 Jul 2025)

James Browne: My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a...