Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

This section refers to the powers of the Minister to issue a direction under section 31 of the principal Act to local area plans. It prescribes a new consultative procedure whereby the Minister can issue a proposed direction and seek views from local stakeholders. I was a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government that heard delegations from Mayo County Council which had concerns and reservations about ministerial direction to it. Without getting involved in the planning aspect of that issue, which is a matter for the council and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I welcome the fact the Minister has listened to the committee's recommendations for a consultation procedure prior to direction. Mayo County Council decided unanimously to adopt the county development plan but it had concerns about the handling of direction by the Minister's office. It felt this was to a degree an attack on local democracy. Whether it was right or wrong is for another day but I welcome the proposal in this Bill for a consultation process that engages the stakeholders, including elected members, local authority and departmental officials, and the Minister prior to direction. That will help the communication of the essential thrust of planning policy.