Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Higgins and the Civil Engagement Group. I will deal with what our response is and we can expand on that. I will speak to amendment No. 28 and amendments Nos. 67 to 74, inclusive, as they have been grouped for discussion.

The intention of amendment No. 28 is to extend the definitions in Part 4 by adding a reference to the United Nations sustainable development goals, as defined initially in that body's 2030 agenda for sustainable development. A central element in the State's long-term planning strategies for sustainability runs through Part 4, including the creation of the Limerick Project Ireland 2040 delivery board and the appointment of the mayor as chairperson. There is a focus on transport in Limerick, where the mayor will chair a subgroup dedicated to that issue. As sustainability is already central to Government planning, it follows that it will be stitched into future policy and legislative initiatives. Due to the importance that has rightfully been attached to the incorporation of sustainable development goals and sustainability in so many aspects of the State's activities, it is not essential to make explicit mention of the UN sustainable development goals in the list of definitions for this Part of the Bill.

Amendments Nos. 67 to 70, inclusive, in the name of the Civil Engagement Group propose a change to section 33 which establishes the Project Ireland 2040 delivery board. The amendments seek to change the structure of the board and to expand its functions and the ex officio members of the delivery board to include the príomh chomhairleoir and two councillors on a rotating basis. As chair of the board, the mayor has significant additional powers and is in a unique position to bring real added value to Limerick, especially on the delivery of infrastructure. The board as currently proposed is appropriate to achieve that aim. There is nothing to prohibit the mayor from bringing councillors on the board. That is entirely at the discretion of the mayor.

Amendments Nos. 69 and 70 would specify the promotion of sustainable objectives as part of the board's function and definition of UN sustainable development goals. These goals are built into national, regional and local frameworks such as the national development plan, regional spatial and economic strategies and city and county development plans, including those of Limerick city and county.

Amendments Nos. 71 to 73, inclusive, are in the areas of biodiversity and sustainability and seek to incorporate these matters into the work of the board. This important area is addressed by Ireland's fourth national biodiversity action plan, which is the first to be on a statutory footing thanks to the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2023. These frameworks aim to achieve the co-ordinated national response to the issues. In Limerick, the mayor and the delivery board will have regard to Government policy as it evolves in these fields. These obligations, requirements and aims relating to climate, biodiversity and sustainability do not need to be restated here so I do not propose to accept these amendments.

In addition, the proposal in amendment No. 74 to remove the reference to Government policy in the board's role in co-ordinating initiatives, supports and funding to support rural areas and the regeneration of rural towns would be counterproductive. Existing Government policy clearly supports our rural areas and the regeneration of towns and villages. The town and village renewal scheme and the rural regeneration scheme, are just two. Accordingly, I cannot accept this amendment.

The Bill in its current form is designed to create the structures the mayor will need to perform this work and I am satisfied with the generality of the provisions as they are drafted.