Bill reduces public participation in the planning process

Sir, – I refer to your editorial of October 4th, wherein you suggest that the Government “get on with” the passage into law of the Planning and Development Bill 2022.

One of your reasons for supporting a quick passage of the Bill is a Government “promise” of “greater public participation in the planning and development stage”.

However, my own reading of, for example, sections 53, 54 and 55 of the proposed legislation would suggest that public participation in the planning process will be substantially reduced.

If there is a particular section of the Bill which supports the Government’s assertion in relation to greater public participation it would be very helpful of you to uncover it. – Yours, etc,