Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their patience. I will address the judicial review process, which was brought up a number of times. Senator Kyne and others brought up the issue of vexatious or spurious appeals. The amendment that was tabled on Committee Stage has been accepted and will deal with those who seek to induce money or gifts by appealing or withdrawing appeals, or any through other such abuse of the participation nature of the planning system. It is really important that that provision is within the Bill.

Senator Garvey discussed the provisions related to climate within the Bill and the fact that the hierarchy of plans and other plans must be consistent with high-order plans in other Departments. That will be included and amendments will ensure that both climate and biodiversity matters are appropriately included in the regional and spatial economic strategies, along with the development plan. It is important that we maintain our commitment to climate action and biodiversity in that regard.

Senator Boyhan raised the issue of having a chief county council planner. While I understand the merits of his suggestion, it is for the local authorities to decide how they deploy and allocate employment within local authorities. It is not a matter that should be included in this Bill. Staffing is a local authority remit, but we are focused on ensuring that we have a sustainable planning system and that graduates are coming out of college. There is a ministerial action plan in place to ensure we have the courses available, and that we have the resources to support not just local government, but the Office of Public Works, OPR, and An Bord Pleanála in that regard.

Senator Black commented that the Bill is pro-developer and that is certainly not the case. It is both a planning and a development Bill and the latter must be the product of the former. It is important that we have a consistent planning system at both national and local levels.

I will wrap up and I again thank the Cathaoirleach for his time. The Bill that was brought before the Seanad today is a product of a rigorous evaluation and assessment process. The scale of the review and the analysis of this Bill are possibly unmatched. I want to acknowledge all the Senators who are part of the joint Oireachtas committee on housing for their time and engagement. I acknowledge the Chair, Deputy Stephen Matthews, for his stellar chairmanship on what was a very difficult Committee Stage, considering the number of amendments, votes, and hours that went into the select committee. We must understand how important this Bill will be over the next number of decades in ensuring that it will be fit for purpose for the key challenges we will face in time. The Bill keeps the aspects of that legislation that work well and updates and refines those that need improvements to ensure our system is fit for purpose. It also meets any new challenges that will come over the decades and will ensure that Ireland can play confidently and consistently with future challenges. I look forward to engaging with all Senators in this House in considering and discussing any proposed amendments tabled by Senators on Committee Stage, as we have done over the last three years. We will be constructive and engaging in that regard, we will listen carefully and we will all put our arguments together in regard to any future proposals. Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh, and I thank all the Senators for being here today.