Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I support the call for a further debate on planning issues. It has come to my notice that there is a very definite possibility of local authorities being faced with multi-million euro law suits. Consultants brought into various counties to help designate certain areas where constraints would apply are now stating in their preambles that the designations they have proposed would not stand up to legal scrutiny. County Clare is one of the counties in which there is such a preamble to the consultants' report. If consultants are saying this and a person has been refused planning permission on the grounds put forward in the relevant designation, that person can now go into court, not only to seek a reversal of the decision but also to seek compensation. I regard that as a very serious matter.