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

I appreciate that we debated this at some length. I want the involvement of elected councillors. I reiterate that what the Government is doing, in fairness with the support of the Opposition heretofore, is restoring planning to the local authorities. The primacy of the development plan is very important. I have read into the record the two sections whereby councillors will be directly involved. Every application lodged under this process will not just be copied to every councillor, but every councillor will be notified as a matter of course and not at the discretion of the local authority. We want to ensure that while we are doing this, we are streamlining the planning process as well and making it more efficient and effective while giving people a chance to have their say. The first observation period will be at the stage when an application is lodged, and rightly so. Councillors will have the ability to make their views known for free at that stage. Then, should somebody not be happy with the decision, it can go to An Bord Pleanála as was previously the case prior to SHDs for developments of more than 100 units.

In this instance, I understand the purpose of both amendments being tabled. I also discussed this with Senator Fitzpatrick. We would like to have an opportunity to consider this in a little more detail in advance of the Bill going to the Dáil. There is something in them, but I do not want to create another step in the planning process. I thank Senators Wall, Sherlock, Moynihan, Hoey, Fitzpatrick and Davitt for tabling these amendments. I have had some discussion on them. We will have a look at this in advance of going to the Dáil and I will reference the Seanad, if that is okay.