Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The second set of amendments relates to ministerial directions on statutory plans as provided for in the planning Act. Since the April 2019 commencement and operation of the Office of the Planning Regulator on foot of implementation of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018, a number of technical matters have come to light regarding the legislative procedure relating to section 31 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, including, but not limited to: sections 31AM and 31AN, concerning development plans and variations; sections 31AO and 31AP, concerning local area plans; and the interrelationship of same. Minor and technical amendments are required to address cross-referencing, standardised wording, notifications and consistency in procedure for both the draft direction stage and the final direction state. These technical and procedural amendments, introduced by this Bill, will provide clarity and consistency of language and procedure for all stakeholders, including local authorities and the wider public.