Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien defended the bill, stating it would bring "clarity, certainty and consistency to a planning system that has long needed reform," indicating the government's intent to address existing issues in the planning framework. Critics, however, argue this reform lacks sufficient scrutiny.
Environmental organizations are concerned that the bill’s late amendment granting LNG strategic infrastructure status could fast-track its approval, potentially bypassing essential environmental assessments and limiting public involvement in planning decisions.
Mark Ruffalo, a prominent critic of the LNG industry, emphasized the detrimental impact of the bill’s amendment, stating it undermines environmental protections while criticizing the Green Party's decision to support the measure amid public outcry.
The Irish Planning Institute acknowledged the bill's complexity, remarking, "This is one of the largest, most complex and far-reaching pieces of legislation ever to come before the Oireachtas," underlining the need for adequate planning resources to effectively implement the new measures.
Collection
[
|
...
]