Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

Senator Quinn made a good contribution on Second Stage and has discussed the matter with me since then and I understand where he is coming from. I accept the intention behind the amendment but I will not accept it because I do not think it is necessary.

Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 currently provides for the development contribution system to be drawn up by each planning authority and approved by elected members following a consultation process. It is a matter for the members of the planning authority to determine the level of contribution and the types of development to which they will apply. Planning authorities may levy development contributions in respect of public infrastructure and facilities provided by or on behalf of the local community that benefit development in the area, including recreational facilities. It is the reserve function of the elected members in each local authority to specify the nature of such facilities in their adopted schemes.

The Planning and Development Acts, therefore, already provide for the provision of facilities for physical activity. The Minister has already stated his intention to provide statutory guidance under section 28 of the Planning Acts on development levies. This guidance will provide for the appropriate mechanism to clarify what is meant by recreational facilities, including the provision of facilities for physical activity and to promote healthy lifestyles.