Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for proposing the amendment, which refers to an important new power that has been given to the board to attach a condition to a permission providing for community gain. This condition may take the form of provision of financing in whole or in part of a facility or service for the community hosting the proposed development. I recall Senator Bannon on another occasion making a comment, with which I agreed, that communities hosting developments should be able to see some community gain at the end of the day. That is specifically provided for in the Bill.

I am hopeful the board will use this flexible new power to ensure local communities gain substantially from accepting nationally or regionally important infrastructure. This is important because if communities are to host a development which benefits the community, it is fair and reasonable that the benefit to the community should be mentioned.

The Senator's amendment proposes the insertion of text to provide that the board must specify what that facility or service will be. It was always my intention that would happen. The Senator would like it to be expressly stated. In that respect, he made a good point because that will enable the people in the community to identify the work achieved as a result of their efforts. I am disposed to accepting this amendment. We might have to consider the wording of it. I believe the words proposed are fine. I cannot envisage there being an argument about them. I will accept this amendment because it is a good one.

I am also pleased the Senator accepts the general new principle we are bringing into the planning legislation. He simply wants the local community gain to be more openly and expressly stated. That is a good point. I accept the amendment and am pleased to do so.