Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Communities, in our commuter belts and urban areas in particular, have been let down by Fianna Fáil-led Governments over the past 12 years, which the Minister of State knows well. We are now at the edge of the precipice, partially because of the relationship which Fianna Fáil had with developers. Not all developers are bad but if we are serious about creating sustainable communities and good planning, we must consider the role of local councils and their councillors.

Officials do not always get it right and as a result planners must be held accountable. There should be a relationship between city and county councils, planners and people applying for planning permission. Devolution of power is the way forward. Senator Coffey spoke about dissidence in councils with regard to other proposed changes.