Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

These amendments seek to mirror the period of time that would be available for public consultation. Quite a strong argument was made earlier that a vote on the extension would mirror similar votes on other development plans or variants of development plans. I discussed with others the question of a three quarters majority vote or a simple majority vote during the interval in voting. I accept there is a strong case for a simple majority. I like the idea of a three quarters majority but I could see a strong case for a simple majority. I acknowledge that because I am listening to the arguments being made on the other side. However, if the same standard is being applied to development plans or variants of development plans in terms of a simple majority vote by the local authority members, similarly, the same provision that would apply to a local development plan or a variant of a local development plan should be given to the public and thereby the period should be eight weeks rather than four. Consequently, the period provided for the chief executive would be 12 weeks rather than eight. If we apply the same rules to local authority members in respect of voting as we would in respect of a general development plan, we should give the same grace period to the public in terms of their views as we would in a normal development plan.