Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

Amendment No. 2 proposes the deletion of the definition of "core strategy". However, the evidence-based core strategy is a cornerstone of these provisions and ensures a sound development plan, key to ensuring good planning at local level and a central plank of zoning reform. Decisions taken at the development plan stage affect all other planning decisions. Therefore, the amendment is not acceptable.

The core strategy and the development plans will provide relevant information on how the plans and the housing strategy are consistent with regional planning guidelines and the national spatial strategy. The location, quantum and phasing of proposed developments must be shown, as well as projected population growth, details of transport plans and retail development, and proposals for developments in rural areas. This more strategic approach to zoning will allow development to take place at the right time and in the right place and will allow the State to plan for the provision of infrastructure with much greater certainty. It will facilitate an evidence-based rationale for future development in terms of what needs to be done and where and why it should be done. All of this is key to the economic renewal agenda.

Government amendment No. 5 proposes the insertion of new subsections (1A), (1B) and (1C). Subsections (1A) and (1B) are proposed to obligate planning authorities to vary development plans not later than one year after making regional planning guidelines to provide for a core strategy within existing development plans. Subsection (1C) provides that where a planning authority is already commencing preparations for a new development, namely, four years after making the existing plan, the requirement to prepare a variation is not necessary and the core strategy can be incorporated as part of the preparation of the new plan.

Amendments Nos. 6 and 7 propose the deletion of provisions regarding the core strategy. On the basis of our commitment to these provisions, the amendments are not acceptable.