Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 529 is tabled by Deputies Ó Broin, Gould, Ó Snodaigh, Boyd Barrett, Bríd Smith, Gino Kenny and Cian O’Callaghan. It relates to section 66 of the Bill and the transitional arrangements for a development plan made under the Planning and Development Act 2000 so that it continues in force following the repeal of that Act. Under section 66(3), the Minister of the day may vary the period that such a development plan can remain in force so as to ensure the effective operation of Part 3. This amendment seeks to delete subsection (3) to remove the Minister's power in this regard. It is not a general application; it is to ensure the operation of the Bill and the sections of the Bill. We are looking to commence most of the sections by quarter 2 of next year. It would be a relatively short extension if it did apply.

It is necessary that a method to transfer existing development plans to the new legislative framework is provided for. There is also a need to ensure unforeseen circumstances can be catered for and flexibility is important to avoid any unexpected issues. This is the purpose of section 66(3).

It is not to extend the transition period but provides that, if necessary, the process is to be managed in a practical and efficient manner. In view of the need to allow for the capacity to react and manage unforeseen circumstances, I am not in a position to accept this amendment. In summary, we have included this section because we are bringing in this new legislation. In the main, we are going to commence the measures by the second quarter of next year. There may be some development plans submitted before the commencement of particular sections of the Act. It makes sense to make new development plans coterminous with the new legislation coming in. That is the background to this.