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

Amendment No. 157 updates the definition of "Chapter 4 development” in section 82. As currently written, Chapter 4 development relates to development outside an urban development zone, UDZ, only. This has the effect that large scale infrastructure projects located in a UDZ would go to the planning authority for approval. This amendment removes the limitation on Chapter 4 development to development outside a UDZ, therefore ensuring that strategic infrastructure development in a UDZ goes to the commission for direct decision, which is appropriate.

Amendments Nos. 159 and 160 reword the definition of “Chapter 4 Maritime Development” in section 82 without changing its context.

Amendment No. 161 expands the definition of “inspector” in section 82 to include that an inspector may also be a person assigned to report on a referral on behalf of the commission. A reference to referral was omitted from matters, such as applications, requests and appeals, on which a person may be assigned to report. As the commission deals with referrals for points of detail, it is appropriate that this is included.

Amendment No. 162 amends the definition of “large –scale residential development", LRD. Currently an LRD is residential development of a certain scale that is located outside a strategic development zone. As this Bill introduces UDZs, the definition of LRD has been updated to clarify that it also must be a development outside a UDZ.

Senators Higgins, Ruane, Black and Flynn have proposed two amendments to amendment No. 165, namely, to delete part of the amendment and substitute references to “natural gas” with “green hydrogen”.Amendment No. 165 adds three new paragraphs into the definition of “strategic gas infrastructure development” which reflect the types of gas infrastructure already listed in paragraphs 15 and 16 of Schedule 2 to the Bill. I cannot accept these amendments as the Government has adopted a policy-based approach to the matters raised in the amendments rather than legislating for them. This allows the Government to carefully consider the implications of any measures that could interfere with either our energy or economic security. As I said, the Government has adopted a policy-based approach in respect of LNG and this amendment is not introducing anything new. It is merely aligning the definition of "strategic gas infrastructure development" with the types of strategic infrastructure development already listed and included in a Schedule to the Planning and Development Act 2000.

Any application for strategic gas infrastructure will be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála and there is significant public participation in this process. Again, I refute-----