Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I listened carefully to what the Senator said. I thank him for his good wishes. There are competing imperatives here in terms of public policy. The planning system must have its own integrity. There is a general proposition that a five-year limit makes sense. Of course, things can change objectively in an area. That something is a sustainable proposal in a particular year may not make it a valid assumption in another year. It may not be acceptable from a planning perspective five years later. New issues may have arisen. There is a general proposition there that it is a good idea to have a restriction. There is also a case for allowing extensions for five years. One must balance the planning imperative with the issues the Senator rightly raises in terms of costs and commercial matters.

Overall, the Minister of State considers from a planning point of view that the correct balance has been struck by establishing a five-year limit and a single extension of five years. These are issues that the House and the community can keep under general review, but for the time being there is no proposal to make a change.