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

I thank the Senators for resubmitting this proposal. As we discussed on Committee Stage, a recommendation made to local authorities by way of guidelines made under section 167 of the enacted Bill is a far more appropriate, effective and practical way to pursue the matter, although I take on board the points made by the Senator in respect of knowledge and information, with which I fully agree. This is especially true given the advancements in mapping technology and similar online resources, and that is the primary reason I am not in a position to accept the amendment.

Moreover, to reiterate, I believe the planning and development Bill would be a more suitable location for any new provision or policies relating to city or county development plans. In respect of that Bill, for the first time, specific reference is made to the National Monuments Acts in the context of development plans. If the Bill before us is enacted before the proposed planning and development Bill, I will see those references to the National Monuments Acts replaced with references to registered monuments as provided for under section 14 of this Bill.