Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

In summary, again, I agree wholeheartedly with the Senator on this matter. We see how strongly members of the public and communities feel about environmental and planning issues when we see them out on the streets protesting against a planning decision or a particular development. That is an important part of our democratic system. Equal to that, they have to have parity to be able to participate in our planning system and to have the knowledge and expertise at their disposal and to be able to give fair and informed opinions. What is of huge value is their deep concerns. People in Ireland, in general, have a real passion for the environment and good planning and sustainable development. In that regard, it is important that they have that important role. As the Senator said, this is about ensuring there is a good judicial system in place for environmental planning courts. In the planning system itself at local authority level, they should have the right and the ability to take part in the preparation of development plans. In addition, they should be informed when planning applications come in. They should know they can participate in an open and transparent system.