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

While I understand the intention behind the proposed changes, I must oppose these amendments.

The provision of a period of not less than four weeks for the making of submissions and observations following notification of the proposed extension of duration of the existing development plan, as set out under proposed new section 11D(4)(c), with the same period required for display of any relevant environmental assessment, is consistent with the periods provided for under sections 12 and 13 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in respect of the making of a development plan and the variation of a development plan, respectively. It would not be appropriate to require a longer period, as proposed in amendments No. 18 and 19, for submissions and observations to be received in relation to the extension of duration of an existing development plan, as provided for in the Bill.

As it is not considered appropriate to provide a longer period for the making of submissions and observations than the period of not less than four weeks, which is provided for in the Planning and Development Act 2000, in respect of the making of a development plan and the variation of a development plan, it is therefore also not necessary to provide that the chief executive’s report is prepared within 12 weeks of the giving of notice of the proposed extension of duration of the existing development plan instead of eight weeks, as proposed under amendment No. 20. The period of not later than eight weeks set out at proposed new section 11D(5)(a), which is consistent with sections 12 and 13 of the 2000 Act, is considered sufficient and appropriate. Accordingly the amendments are rejected.