Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Bill proposes that the new streamlined planning procedures for large-scale housing developments apply as a temporary measure, initially for a period of up to three years to the end of 2019. It further proposes that the Minister may, by order, extend the period for a further limited period of two years, up to the end of 2021 to coincide with the timeframe for Rebuilding Ireland.

There was much discussion on these extension provisions on Committee Stage last week, specifically on the need for a review mechanism prior to any such extension being provided for. There was general agreement that a review procedure should be provided for, although there were differing views on the exact form any such review might take. As both the Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, and I indicated on Committee Stage, we are also in favour of an extension review mechanism. It was inherent in the provisions in the Bill that coming to the end of the initial three-year period, the operation of the fast-track procedures would be reviewed, including taking account of the level of activity under the new procedures, before any decision would be made to extend the period of the new streamlined provisions for large-scale housing developments. If the indications are positive that there has been a good take-up of the procedures by developers, that they are delivering on their objectives in facilitating an increased housing supply, and that the continued operation of the procedures would bring further benefits in terms of housing supply, it is likely that they would be extended for a further two years. That will be the extent of the fast-track procedures under the provisions in the Bill.Likewise, if a review indicates that there has been poor take-up of the procedures by developers and that it has not delivered on its objective in terms of facilitating the delivery of increased housing supply, it may be the case that the procedures would not be extended beyond the end of 2019. That was and is the intention, although I acknowledge it was not explicitly provided for in the Bill. However, I agree with the principle of a review and having considered the various contributions on this point on Committee Stage, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, indicated that he would bring forward an amendment to deal with the matter. In this regard, we are proposing amendment No. 6 which I feel is an appropriate approach in the circumstances.

In this connection, the amendment proposes that prior to the end of the first three-year period and not later than 30 October2019, the Minister will review the operation and effectiveness of the strategic housing development provisions. A report on the conclusions of the review would then be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas with no extension of the operation of the provisions being possible before the review report is laid before the two Houses. In addition, and as previously indicated, no extension can be for made for a period beyond 31 December 2021, the timeline for the duration of Rebuilding Ireland.

Amendment No. 7 has, in effect, the same meaning as Government amendment No. 6, the latter has been drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel and its wording is more legally correct. It is purely on that basis that I oppose amendment No. 7 and move amendment No. 6, which does achieve what the Senator is trying to achieve in amendment No. 7.