Batt O'Keeffe (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

This amendment proposes the inclusion of the word "use" after the word "work" in section 129B(2)(a). As it stands, the Bill provides that the project services and works in a BID proposal must be, in the rating authority's opinion, for the benefit of the business improvement district and those who live, work or carry on an activity in it. That is a broad-ranging provision in itself.

However, it also must be read in conjunction with subsection (3), which sets out the wide range of matters that may be included in plans or initiatives under a BID scheme. In particular, paragraph (a) makes specific reference to Schedule 13 to the Local Government Act 2001. That Schedule contains a comprehensive list of matters under such headings as artistic, linguistic and cultural activities, sports, games and similar activities, general recreation and leisure activities, general environmental and heritage protection and improvement, and the public use of amenities. When all those provisions are taken together, it becomes clear the existing Bill is sufficiently comprehensive to address the point raised in the proposed amendment. It is also clear the outcome of BIDs will benefit all users of a business improvement district.

In the circumstances, I do not propose to accept the amendment.