Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)

My understanding of the Planning and Development Act 2000 is that where land is dezoned, the elected members are not liable to compensation. However, several options are available if a planning authority is considering changes to its development plan. It can dezone the land or zone the land for a different use. Quite often officials can say the land is more appropriate for industrial use than residential use. The planning authority can consider a prioritisation of development. In other words, the lands closer to the town centre could be developed sequentially before going to the outskirts. For example, Clare County Council is examining this option.