Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to very briefly say that I support this amendment. It is a very important area. It is exactly the kind of area in which we would like to see mayoral leadership. It is the kind of thing that people can run on, namely, is a vision for regeneration. That is why it is unfortunate that one of the many powers which, under the Schedule, do not lie with the mayor but, rather, sit with the director general, the CEO, is that relating to the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015. The purpose of Government amendment No. 121 is to include regeneration in the Schedule in order that it will sit with the director general instead of with the mayor. Senator Gavan commented on this previously. It is just another example of the kind of instance where a figurehead with vision could come through and drive regeneration. I am concerned that many of the powers and responsibilities relating to regeneration seem to sit with the director general and that there might not be scope for the kind of vision and action outlined by Senator Boyhan. I support his amendment.