Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

We all agree that Ireland needs a new and improved infrastructure across a number of areas, for reasons we have all outlined in this House. We need to tackle bottlenecks in our economy, to enhance our effectiveness and to create infrastructure where it is needed.

I thank Senator Bannon in particular for his contributions, but I thank all Members who have contributed throughout this lengthy debate. We have taken very important steps in this Bill. The Government is committed to the continued existence and extension of an efficient and fully democratic participative planning process. The Bill, as it now stands, reflects that commitment. It is a crucial development in our delivery of modern, quality infrastructure, but it does so in a way that is balanced as it will involve the local authorities.