Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

During the debate on the previous amendments, Senator Boyhan referred to the Oireachtas Library and Research Service report. The explanatory note was written and published before the Government amendment was introduced which now clarifies that there will always be a public meeting or an online public meeting. The Office of the Attorney General has also confirmed the proposal is fully compliant with the Aarhus Convention and the public participation directive.

Amendment No.7 proposes to insert a wording which would have the effect that only online submissions in writing from members of the public will be invited by the planning authority with respect to the proposed development plan. I cannot accept this amendment as, while we wish to encourage and facilitate the adoption by the public of making online written submissions, such written submissions should not be limited to online communications only but should be flexible and open by other means of delivery of written submissions to a planning authority, for example, by post.

Amendment No. 8 seeks to ensure the public online submissions are not subject to a limitation in terms of length. While I recognise this amendment is well intentioned, I cannot accept it. Planning authorities routinely conduct public consultation exercises, inviting submissions from the public across a wide range of functions and areas of responsibility. They have demonstrated the required capacity to undertake such important public engagement activities in a transparent and equitable manner.

The amendment suggests there has been a restriction, or similar device, operated by planning authorities to seek to limit the extent or length of submissions made by the public, either in written or through online forms. I am not aware of any such approach by a planning authority. Accordingly, I do not believe the amendment is warranted or necessary when considered in light of the well-established practices currently operated by local authorities.