Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The proposed deletions refer to the core of section 12 which provides explicitly for the link between regional planning guidelines and the national spatial strategy which post-dated the passage of the Planning and Development Act 2000. An explicit requirement is, therefore, provided for regional planning guidelines to be prepared to support the implementation of the national spatial strategy. It also ensures the regional planning guidelines shall be set within the policy framework of the national spatial strategy, including its population targets which will be updated from time to time.

Regional planning guidelines also have to address the promotion of sustainable settlement and transportation strategies in urban and rural areas, including the promotion of measures to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and measures to address the necessity of adaptation to climate change.

I cannot accept amendments Nos. 35 and 36.

Question, "That the words proposed to be deleted stand," put and declared carried.