Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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I move:

That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 and for that purpose to remove certain references to An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, and to provide for related matters.

Ar an gcéad dul síos, I wish a céad míle fáilte do na daoine ó Athlacca. I welcome the Athlacca people here, guests of Deputy O'Donoghue, from County Limerick. They are neighbours of mine. We do not always agree on hurling but have a nice day.

I am pleased to present a new Bill to address a critical issue that affects the very fabric of our rural communities. I introduce this on behalf of the Rural Independents and myself. I thank Brian Ó Domhnaill, our policy research advisor and Tríona and Mairéad in my own office.

There is a need to make it easier for people to build homes in rural Ireland in the midst of the housing crisis. The Planning and Development (An Taisce) Bill 2024 aims to support rural communities, residents and young people in obtaining planning permission without the constant interference of bodies such as An Taisce. Ireland is currently facing a severe housing crisis. Rural areas are not immune to this challenge. The dream of young people building a home in the countryside on their own land where families can thrive and where communities can grow is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. One significant obstacle has been the objections raised by An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, which has used its status as a prescribed body under the Planning and Development Act to object to numerous planning applications and leave its impact on development plans. An Taisce's objections have not only targeted rural housing but also agricultural advancements, infrastructural projects and initiatives aimed at regional job creation. This has led to a malaise that in some cases is an outright halting of projects that are vital for the economic and social development of rural areas.

A notable example of this is An Taisce's obstructive actions and activities in the Supreme Court case involving the construction of a cheese plant in County Kilkenny which serves all of Munster and Leinster. Despite the court dismissing An Taisce's repeated objections, the delays caused by these actions resulted in significant setbacks to job creation and economic growth in the region. This case highlights the detrimental impact of An Taisce's rigid stance on environmental issues and emissions targets, which often conflicts with the need for balanced regional and rural development.

The Bill seeks to address these concerns by removing An Taisce as a prescribed authority or body under the Planning and Development Act. The key provisions of the Bill include a proposal to remove references to An Taisce from various provisions of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. The Bill also includes sections dealing with planning, planning authorities, development plans and regulations regarding applications for permission. It also includes provisions relating to local authorities' own development and environmental impact statements. The Bill allows the Minister to amend the 2001 regulations at a future date, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in the planning process. The Bill includes standard provisions for the Short Title and commencement of the proposed Act.

The Bill is not just about removing obstacles. It is about empowering our rural communities by ensuring a more equitable and balanced approach to planning and development. We can support the provision of rural housing for families, making it easier for families and young people to build homes in rural areas, fostering community growth and stability. The Bill also seeks to promote economic development, facilitate agricultural advancements and infrastructure projects that are crucial to regional job creation and economic prosperity, and reduce the bureaucratic delays, thereby streamlining the planning process, reducing the unnecessary delays and costs associated with prolonged objections and legal battles.

The Planning and Development (An Taisce) Bill 2024 is a necessary, constructive step towards supporting our rural communities and addressing the housing crisis. It is time to remove the undue influence of bodies like An Taisce and ensure that our planning process is fair, efficient and conducive to the growth and development of rural Ireland. We hope that Members of the House will support this Bill, stand together and work together for a future where everyone has the opportunity to build a home and make a life in the beautiful countryside of Ireland. I hope we will get support from all sides of the House for the Bill.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the Bill opposed?

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Government is not opposing the Bill.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy McGrath may move that Second Stage be taken in Private Members' time.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."