Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Let me be a little bit clearer. With respect to section 27(10), the regional assembly has been given the role of designating, in accordance with subsection (12), a planning authority to be the principal planning authority. Against what guidance or criteria will that be done? It has the role of designating any other planning authority whose functional area covers the settlement or part of the area as an associate planning authority, which is more straightforward. It can specify the number of members from each planning authority referred to in paragraphs (c) and (d) to be appointed under section 70(3).

Interestingly, that subsection specifies the numbers of elected members in those committees but they are all odd numbers. In an area where there has been an historic tension, such as between Waterford and Kilkenny, who gets the extra member? Is it decided based on geography or other criteria? Likewise, the subsection refers to specifying directions in relation to the appointment of a co-ordinated area plan committee. How is that decided? That is my first cluster of questions with respect to subsection (10).

With respect to subsection (12), on an administrative basis is the Minister of State saying that the Minister will decide which regional assembly is included? For example, there are two regional assemblies covering Athlone. Will the Minister step in and administratively appoint the regional assembly overseeing it? If that is the case, on what criteria is that decision based?