Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

In seconding the amendment, I recognise that local authorities do a public consultation process on Part 8 planning which is also important and informs the planning process. To be honest with the Minister of State, he needs to talk to a lot of the local authorities on Part 8 planning. Part 8 planning would be an excellent way to deal with the housing crisis rather than the rapid build because this is where local councils can recognise that there is a specific problem in housing within their area. The local authorities should be using their powers and we often hear them saying they do not have enough powers. Part 8 planning gives them the power to fast track the building of housing in local authority areas rather than going for these newfangled planning processes of 100 units. This is much more transparent than the application that can be made to An Bord Pleanála for 100 units or more because in Part 8 planning there is a process, public consultation and a vote in the council. However, I recognise that there should be the same onus of giving information to the public as in an ordinary planning application. I, for one, wish to see Part 8 planning used a lot more.