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

Generally, most meetings have been tweeted before they are even finished. We can work on this issue, though. If it is the Senator's main grievance, we can discuss it.

Senator Coffey referred to material contraventions. They are not allowed. A material contravention would have to be dealt with before any application. It could not be addressed in the middle of this process.

We respect the powers of local authority members. The process can only occur in respect of zoned lands. As such, there is no danger in that regard. If Senators analyse this provision more, they will see that we are strengthening the hand of local authority members in planning applications of more than 100 units. Even with these amendments, councillors will have more involvement in planning applications than ever because there will now be a formal process. Before, the process was informal. A councillor might have been able to get a meeting with a planner, make a phone call, catch him or her at a meeting, etc. Under the formal process, a councillor can sit down and go through every large planning application. We attempted this when I was on a council 15 years ago. It worked for a couple of weeks until everyone got overworked. I accept that it will be a great deal of work, but the process is right and we have to find a way to make it work because it led to better planning decisions. Councillors could discuss with officials what an application needed in terms of infrastructure, the community, links with the next site down the road, etc. All of that could be missed otherwise. Under this process, none of that should be missed. It is an enhancement, including for councillors, and is followed by many local authorities in respect of planning and other decisions. They can manage it.

I have answered Senator Coffey's second question. The amendment strengthens councillors' position.

The point on fees was a fair one. It was proposed that we address the issue in another planning Bill.We will try to see if we can get it done in the Dáil. It is certainly not restrictive. I cannot provide an answer on the issue fees now, but it can be dealt with before the end of the planning process. If anything, it will enhance a council's position. It does not involve blocking anything.