Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I am concerned that under amendment No. 33, there are several references to "maritime site". On page 31, there are definitions of "maritime site" and "maritime area". It is very clear that unauthorised use of a maritime site is only part of the maritime area, so why would the legislation seek to limit this? Why would we open up the possibility of someone saying "you are saying this is an unauthorised development but it is not taking place on a maritime site, so therefore it is fine". Then you have to go on to prove whether it is a maritime site or not. The language used could be "maritime area and maritime site". It is broader and safer. There is inconsistency in terms of "land". It is just "land"; it is not "sites on land" or anything else. I am very concerned that these inconsistencies are opening up potential difficulties down the line, and potential loopholes that people will try to exploit and so forth. A good rationale has not been given for why it is better to use the phrase "maritime site" than "maritime area", or why we would not use "maritime area" here.