Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Environment, Community and Local Government, Niall Collins TD, says Minister Jan O’Sullivan must ‘get tough’ with the Environment Minister as well as local authorities.

Deputy Collins welcomed the announcement from Housing Minister, Jan O’Sullivan TD, that she will get tough with councils who do not implement government guidelines on addressing the surplus of land zoned for development. However, Deputy Collins added that if Minister O’Sullivan’s approach is to be taken more seriously, the stalled independent planning inquiries must be reopened.

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Deputy Collins commented: "I welcome the approach taken by Minister O’Sullivan in trying to get local authorities in line. I take her at her word in saying that she is serious about ensuring proper planning regulations are followed.

"In that spirit, I would encourage Minister O’Sullivan to press her case with Phil Hogan and support Fianna Fáil's case for the reinstatement of the independent planning inquiries which Minister Phil Hogan has suppressed.

"The decision to suppress the independent planning inquiries initiated by the last Government was a major mistake and will do nothing to restore public faith in the planning system. It's time for this Government to put its hands up and reverse their decision."

(CD/GK)