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

I thank the Senator for his positive contribution and that is certainly something I can take to the Minister. We have to hugely value the role of any expertise many former elected members have brought to local government over many years. They have expertise in formulating development plans and setting the agenda at local level for how our communities are planned. While An Bord Pleanála has been through an incredibly challenging time, we see the positive outcomes of this report and the intent of the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, to address this issue and deal with it. He has acted swiftly and decisively. We need a board that is fit for purpose, able to meet the broader environmental climate challenges but can also plan this country in a sustainable way that is future-proofed for future generations.