Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

There is no doubt that in some instances planning and zoning practices are inconsistent with national, regional and local planning guidelines.

The Bill aims to increase efficiency and improve the performance of An Bord Pleanála by up to 60%. That is a welcome development. The statutory quorum of the board is to be reduced from three to two people. I do not agree with this because it could result in deadlock. If there are three people involved, there is, at least, the chance that a majority decision might be reached. If it takes two thirds of a council to approve a variation, I fail to see why the quorum relating to An Bord Pleanála is being reduced. That is not a fair way to proceed and I ask the Minister to reconsider the position in this regard.

In view of the fact that there has been a decrease in the number of planning applications, surely the volume of work will automatically be reduced. As a result, the output of An Bord Pleanála should be substantially increased without there being a need to interfere with the quorum necessary to allow meetings to proceed.

The Bill also allows for the extension of planning permissions for a further five years. This provision is welcome, particularly in view of the slump in the property market. I am aware of a case where, in 1996, an application was granted in respect of a material contravention. However, the person who owned the property was suffering from the early effects of Alzheimer's disease and was not in a position to make a decision on the matter. That is a great pity because there is an existing need in the local area which could be addressed if the planning permission to which I refer were extended.

Planning must allow towns, villages, cities and rural areas to develop. Rural development is extremely important. Members are aware of schools that have closed because local populations have declined. They are also aware of instances where local GAA and soccer clubs have been obliged to amalgamate because they cannot muster enough players to field teams. Post offices and churches have been obliged to close as a result of the declining number of people living in particular areas.

Rural areas are extremely important. There is a view prevalent among certain people - a member of my county council said this at one point - that one-off housing developments are a blight on the landscape. I was born and bred in the country. I live in a town but I am very proud of my country origins. It is important to have reasonable development in rural areas because this helps to sustain the population in those areas.

There are many more comments I could make but I will wait until Committee Stage to do so. I agree with much of what is contained in the Bill but I am sure the Minister and others will bring forward amendments to address the concerns I have raised.