James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 35:

In page 59, line 38, after "property" to insert "including pavements and streets".

Reference is made in this section to "the prevention of danger to health or damage to property". This should also include streets and pavements because people who damage them in the course of their work often leave them in such a state that local authorities must repair them. The onus should be placed on the people who damaged the streets or pavements in the first instance and provision for this should be included in the Bill. Will the Minister consider including such a provision?

The amendment is probably worded in a general manner, but it is important because it is on streets and pavements that the most damage is caused, usually by JCB diggers, etc. Such damage often creates problems for local authorities and has resulted in their being taken to court by people who have tripped on damaged pavements and so on. The onus should be on the person who damaged the pavement to replace or repair it. This should be included in the Bill because it is a grey area.