Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The AILG comprises practitioners and councillors, and this is the request it has made. Let us be clear that this is an opportunity to put where we stand on the record. We do not speak out of both sides of our mouths. We must make a commitment, honour it and make the best case for it. I am here to make the best case for Mr. Dunne, the president of the AILG, and all its members, of all parties and none. They were against ten years. They suggested in their submission to Members of this House that if they could not get ten years for their development plans, they could come down to eight years. It is clear they do not want a development plan that lasts for ten years. They want to know where people stand and I am going to tell them where I stand because that is all I am about. I would like to convince other people but it is a matter for them to decide. We will, I hope, be voting on this amendment in a few moments. To be crystal clear, I suggested a seven-year period as a sort of compromise. The AILG had suggested ten years or eight years. I think the seven-year period is reasonable. There has been much litigation in respect of development plans over the years. A famous case mentioned legitimate expectations. The citizens have a legitimate expectation of their city and county development plans and how they will map out and set out proper planning and sustainable development for their areas. I restate that I am here on behalf of the AILG to articulate its views on this particular aspect of the Bill. Its request is reasonable and we should support it. If we do not want to do so, that is fair enough and it will be a matter for other people to explain that on another day. I believe it is the right and appropriate thing to do. I hope we have support for the AILG in this House.