16 May 2006

Environment

Strategic Infrastructure Bill Meetings

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of any meetings that he may have held with the President of the High Court regarding the Strategic Infrastructure Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche): I have not had any such meetings. The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Bill 2006 proposes changes to the planning system to reduce delays in decision-making relating to major infrastructure projects. In that context I welcome the initiative being introduced in the High Court to improve the management and prioritisation of these cases.