Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

Under section 18 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 a planning authority may, at any time and for any particular area within its functional area, prepare a local area plan in respect of that area. I want to elaborate on the way that is happening currently. If I were to accept the argument that only areas with a population of 5,000 will be developed, am I to conclude that any area with a population under 2,000 does not have an area plan? I know that not to be the case. I am aware that in local authority areas throughout the country there are area plans for small towns of 1,000, 1,200 and 1,500. Why does the Senator say this section will change the operational work of the local authority? It must be remembered that all area plans are made in the context of the existing county or city development plan. That is the position. Nothing is being taken away from local authority members in this Bill. The opportunity presents itself in the 2000 Act but that is not being changed in this legislation. I would expect that local authority members throughout the country will continue the current practice.

I spoke about this matter in Limerick recently. There appears to be a perception that in some way the intentions of the national spatial strategy are to the detriment of rural areas and smaller areas generally. I state firmly that is not the case. As a Minister from a rural area I appreciate people's concerns but I reject that perception. The national spatial strategy, which has been raised on a number of occasions in the debate, is not just about the development of the gateways and hubs to the detriment of all other areas. It is about maximising the potential of all regions, both urban and rural areas, to the benefit of inhabitants and the country as a whole. That is fundamental to the national spatial strategy. I want to reassure Members that there is no taking away from the entitlement of local authorities in session with their executive doing a local area plan for a village with a population of 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 or 3,000. I am accommodating a position whereby it is mandatory to have a plan for development in areas with a population of 5,000.

Senator Butler spoke earlier on that issue and it is important that areas have a plan that refers to amenities such as schools, roads or other infrastructure. That is what is involved here. I do not see the position in the way it has been stated. That is not my intention.