Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too welcome this amendment. My colleagues and I were happy on Committee Stage when the Minister indicated a positive attitude towards this amendment. I am aware that Senator Boyhan has worked with the Minister on this provision and I am glad that the role of the local authority members is being represented in this legislation. The habit of SHD applications working outside the relevant county development plans has been a bone of contention for councillors for years. I hope that our move towards this new LRD process will place a higher, more appropriate onus on the work of our local councillors in planning.