Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I was fortunate to be in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown on Monday when the Minister launched a new housing scheme in Kilternan. As a councillor, I voted on the matter in a Part 8 decision in 2007. That shows that the development and delivery of Part 8 projects does not happen immediately.

I want to put on the record that everything the Minister is doing is well-intentioned. He does not have a hidden agenda and he is doing his very best. I listened to him very carefully when he spoke in Kilternan on Monday.

I have concerns about the fast-track planning process for developments comprising more than 100 units that is being introduced as part of the Bill. I accept it is an interim measure for a limited period but I have concerns. From 2002 to 2015, there were 87 different applications for developments of over 100 units in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, none of which were delayed at the council stage. The Bill is fast-tracking the process, but it is doing so by eliminating the appeals processes - effectively, there will be no appeals process. An Bord Pleanála will make the decision. I admit there is preplanning and so on, but seems to me that An Bord Pleanála will make up its mind and that will be it. The Minister can correct me if I am wrong.

The democratic interaction that was in place in the past-----