Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

During my remarks on Second Stage I stated my belief that the expertise of the board should be fully employed in the planning process as early as possible. I have introduced a number of specific amendments to this end. Amendments Nos. 2 and 51 extend the powers of the board to give advice on what considerations in respect of environmental effects of a proposed development will be taken into account. This provision is very important. A number of Deputies and Senators, particularly Deputies from a variety of parties, made the point that on many occasions, environmental impact statements are presented in a sloppy fashion and that issues arise out of this. I introduced these amendments to extend the powers of the board to give advice. The advice will be given during the initial pre-application discussions with applications for consent for strategic infrastructure for electricity transmission lines or gas pipelines. In essence, the board will have the power to advise on environmental aspects in general, as well as to respond to a specific technical scoping document. This is a significant improvement which has come out of the debate.

Amendment No. 16 will ensure that the planning authority, including the councillors, will include its views on the effect on the local environment of a proposed development in its report. Senators felt it was particularly important that matters be clarified for councillors regarding what will be included. This amendment strengthens matters and clarifies the role of councillors and will be welcomed by Senators because Senators from all sides of the House referred to the significance of bringing councillors into the picture. Members in the other House were less taken with the importance of this measure than Senators or myself. I have been pleased by the support the Seanad has given this measure. The amendments reflect some of the concerns and issues discussed here.