Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps the Minister of State might give clarification as to the language regarding other plans or projects. Amendment No. 33 addresses, to some extent, one of our concerns, that is, that this must be considered in combination with other plans. However, we are seeking for the assessment to not only consider the impact of the extension of the plan in respect of land use but also how it may intersect with other projects. Other initiatives are also ongoing. I mentioned marine protection areas. There are also proposals with regard to strategic infrastructure whereby plans will bypass local authorities and go straight to An Bord Pleanála. There are a number of strands in respect of existing land use and also a number of concerns in that regard. We were really just trying to take a belt and braces approach to ensure that consideration of the impact on a European site would not be narrowed only to consideration of the impact of the extension but that the impact of the extension combined with such other measures would also be considered.

I am conscious that we need to copper-fasten and strengthen these protections because some protections that our Natura 2000 sites previously had have been chipped away at and eroded by recent planning legislation. For example, there was previously an obligation for the Minister to consult with the Minister responsible for heritage. This is no longer required as they are both the same Minister. That double-check is no longer required with regard to Natura 2000 sites. It may seem that we are doubling up but that is because we are conscious that certain other measures have been eroded slightly. We want to ensure any extension is being properly considered. The Minister of State indicated that it was his understanding that the consideration of the impact of the extension will encompass consideration of how that extension intersects with other plans and projects. Will he confirm this again?