Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

Amendment No. 1 proposes the deletion of a definition of the core strategy. However, the evidence-based core strategy is a cornerstone of the Bill as it ensures a sound development plan, which is a key to ensuring good planning at local level, and a central plank to zoning reform. Decisions taken at the development planning stage affect all other planning decisions. This amendment was considered on Committee Stage and my position remains that the proposed amendment is not acceptable.