Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendments Nos. 9, 41, 47, 50 and 63 are jointly tabled by Senators Warfield, Boyhan, Gavan and Ó Donnghaile and amendments Nos. 10, 11, 42, 43, 48 and 49 are tabled by Senator Higgins.While I understand the intention behind these proposed changes, I must oppose them. The proposed amendments seek to amend the date on which provisions set out under sections 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 will cease to apply by shortening the application of the provisions for varying lengths of time. The relevant provisions in the Bill, as proposed, will cease to have effect on 1 January 2024, or will end on 31 December 2023, to allow the planning authority which has commenced the process of reviewing a development plan and preparing a new development plan for the area to complete such a review and make the new development plan.

The process of preparing a development plan can, under current provisions in the Planning and Development Act 2000, take two years. The proposals set out in the Bill will enable the planning authority, subject to complying with the obligations relating to the extension of the duration of existing development plans in force, including the necessary environmental assessments, to take up to one additional year to complete the process, having regard to disruption caused thus far by Covid-19 restrictions. Given the timescales and processes involved, it would not be possible for the planning authority to make a necessary decision, as set out in the Bill, to facilitate the taking of an additional period of up to one year and to prepare and complete a new development plan within the timescale proposed in the amendments. Accordingly, the proposed amendments are rejected.

Several Members drew attention to climate action and mitigation. There is nothing in the Bill that is reducing environmental thresholds. At each step of the way, if a strategic environmental assessment or appropriate assessment is required, it will have to be carried out. I want to be very clear about that because many Members seem to be suggesting in their contributions that this Bill is in some way watering down climate action. It is not. I hope the process we are embarking upon today will add value for citizens by allowing consultation of better quality for those who are limited through Covid. I remind Members that we are still in a pandemic.