Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators. We accepted the previous amendment, but we cannot accept every amendment. I will give the reasons we cannot accept those under discussion. We have discussed this. Let me return to the original point. This is about restoring planning functions to local authorities, which is what the Government wants; however, it is also about restoring the primacy of the development plans. We discussed this the other night. I refer to the crucial matter of having boots on the ground whereby councillors have the reserve function to put together development plans because they know their areas. It is from them that the plans emanate. The purpose of the LRD arrangement is to have a return to the two-stage process. The primacy of the development plans is restored, and this is also the case in respect of the local area plans and master plans.

On consultation, let me refer again to the proposed section 32B(4). It states: "The planning authority may, prior to the LRD meeting taking place, consult with any person who may, in the opinion of the planning authority, have information that is relevant for the purposes of the LRD meeting in relation to a proposed development." This is very clear although I understand where Senators want to get to. I outlined to Senator Higgins the last day my view on the idea of a local authority reaching out beyond the public consultation process and asking a myriad of groups what they think. We are trying to streamline and improve the planning process while recognising that, in many areas of planning, there are roadblocks that inhibit the development of homes for students and others. We need to make the system better while restoring local authority responsibility. I am not accepting either amendment, but I thank the Senators for their contributions.