Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious that we are under time pressure. We have discussed much of this before. It is disappointing that the Minister has not accepted the amendments we discussed on Committee Stage, which would retain the right of the city and county council. The Minister made his case with regard to it. We had a vote on it as well, and clearly it was not supported by any of the Government parties in the House.

It is important that city and county councils, given their collective views, their huge involvement locally and their huge knowledge of their communities, would be supported. This is a reasonable amendment. As I said before, it is important to value their contribution. All this amendment would do is give discretion to the planning authority to engage with local councillors ahead of an LRD meeting to get their perspectives on matters of interest or concern to the community that should be taken into consideration. After all, these people represent the community. Rather than having a situation where planners say to councils that they cannot discuss applications with them because the legislation bars them from doing so, we are proposing to give them the right and the discretion to engage. We must recognise that we are merely giving the planners some discretion. I recognise the enormous and valuable work done by planners. I want to put it on the record that they work hard, often under pressure in terms of resources, time and expertise.

Planning has become a complicated issue. I am saying it is important to send a clear message. I took the trouble to look at the number of Government Ministers, Deputies and Senators who have engaged or made objections. I remind the House that observations are not always negative. As the Minister said earlier, it can be an observation. We always talk in the negative. People can make positive contributions and positive statements in regard to planning. It does happen. I have certainly done it. I have sent in submissions of a positive nature.

I want the message to go out loud and clear today that we will support city and county councils in their efforts with the planners to have an opportunity to share their local knowledge and their understanding of the community. Ultimately, planners make decisions. We are back to a two-stage process. I reiterate that this proposal will not stop any individual councillor from sending in a submission in his or her own right. There is something to be gained in terms of that shared engagement.I like the idea that it is open and transparent. It is not a matter of someone having a word with a planner in a room; it is a matter of a formal meeting at which concerns are shared. Ultimately, it is an executive function of the planners to make the decision. I hope the Minister can support and accept the amendment.