Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment, as it makes a clear statement of intent. We are used to local authorities dealing with the provision of obvious infrastructure and services; the legislation mentions substantial works, refurbishment, upgrading and enlargement, as well as the replacement of roads, car parks, sewers, wastewater and water treatment facilities. I also welcome the inclusion of high capacity telecommunications infrastructure such as broadband which in this day and age is as essential as any other major service in a development. The provision of school sites is also an important inclusion. We welcome all these provisions.

However, Senator Quinn has raised an important issue and perhaps we should send out a clear and strong message in the legislation that local authorities should be required to consider the provision of facilities for physical activity. One of the biggest challenges facing society today is the rise in diabetes, obesity and other illnesses related to inactivity. It makes sense for us to promote a healthy lifestyle infrastructure. While on holiday in the North of Ireland during the summer, I noted that not only were parks provided in local areas but outdoor gym circuits were provided in the parks. This physical infrastructure promotes a healthy lifestyle. Not only were people walking in the parks, they were able to exercise because of the provision of the physical exercise infrastructure.

This is a good amendment. It encourages all of us to think outside the box about providing physical exercise infrastructure. It would certainly be no harm to encourage local authorities, through making it a requirement in law, to include the provision of such facilities for communities. They can only do good. They are not overly expensive and would not involve huge costs for developers, local authorities or whoever would ultimately pay for them. During the Committee Stage debate I was one of those who raised concerns about the implementation of the infrastructure requirements of the Bill and about where the costs would lie eventually. I warned that first-time buyers might have to pay for much of the essential infrastructure. I am sure they would welcome a small amount of the moneys they pay for their houses being spent on facilities for physical activity. This would be bring a healthy, long-term sustainable benefit for them and local authorities. I second the amendment.