Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

All powers in the development process are being taken away from local authority members by the Bill. The Minister will have a direct hand in all the policies related to the national spatial strategy. Regional population targets will take effect with no variation for hubs and gateways. I will not labour the point but that is the nub of problem with the Bill.

The Minister will refer to the national spatial strategy when deciding the regional population targets for hubs and gateways. This will be to the detriment of smaller towns not designated as hubs or gateways which we want to make viable. For instance, Belmullet is 50 miles from Castlebar and 45 miles from Ballina. It should be able to grow to become an independent town with transport links to the hubs. However, it will not be able to grow until the populations of Castlebar and Ballina reach the projected target figures set by the Minister as per the legislation. Some guidelines must be introduced for these targets. If they are not reached, the smaller towns should be allowed to develop independently.