The Planning and Development Bill, after three years of examination, narrowly avoided a complete end to discussion due to a guillotine close call which almost brushed the ear of Darragh O’Brien; contrary to what was largely predicted. The governmental showpiece legislation was hastily propelled through the committee stage at the stroke of 1pm on a Wednesday.
Is that the end of it all? Hardly.
A substantial portion of that three year period was occupied by TDs meticulously scrutinising the finer details of this colossal endeavour. A mere 21 hours were set aside for Seanad debate. This resulted in exasperation and irritation amongst Opposition Senators harbouring serious concerns about numerous elements of the Bill. The Bill suggests a consolidation and streamlining of the planning process and law.
The perception of the Minister for Housing’s seminal piece differs widely; it is seen either as a treacherous blunder or a masterpiece in architecture.
The powerful opposition has been led by Independent Senator Michael McDowell, in full force utilising his comprehensive legal knowledge, relentlessly attempting to poke legal holes in the Government’s case with great relish.
It is our ardent hope that McDowell, alongside numerous other Opposition speakers, fully complied with planning guidelines for his extended and addition-laden contributions.
During the lethargic 3½-hour debate, Eugene Murphy of Fianna Fáil rebuked Senators for consuming precious time with lengthy speeches when they were already expressing dissatisfaction over insufficient time for amendments.
Prior to the 1pm guillotine, the Minister warned the House of his intent to present many more amendments at the Report Stage with “ample time” slated for consideration. A number of these will address concerns raised during the heated discussions of the last three days.
Government members will likely be content, having voiced concerns about certain parts of the Bill, while lauding Darragh for what they view as a much-awaited and necessary reform to the planning and development process.
The positive change did not appease the others, as their main grievance concerned the total negation of numerous amendments proposed during the committee phase by the government. Monster or monument? This legislation is expansive. Displayed by Mary Seery-Kearney of Fine Gael, it resembled a hugely enlarged edition of what was historically referred to as the Golden Pages.
Previously, in the discussion, McDowell likened it to a phone book. He also depicted the vast Bill as a “gigantic tanker docking in a minuscule harbour”. However, with its page count at 747, a comparison to a jumbo jet landing at Abbeyshrule might have been more fitting.
Morning discussions were interspersed by short intervals to greet guests to the Upper House. This has evolved into a slightly vexing convention in the Seanad; it appears to halt abruptly whenever any TD or Senator introduces a relative, political ally, old classmates, school trips, constituency groups, or someone encountered at the pub the previous evening to the assembly.
The presiding officer then lists the visitors for the record, while their laudable guides reap the benefits. Noel Grealish, the Independent TD for Galway West, is regularly dashing through Leinster House, guiding groups of constituents. On Wednesday, he brought in so many— including a significant number from New York— that the substitute Chairperson had to identify them twice.
Former minister Dick Roche and his spouse were warmly welcomed in the afternoon during the Criminal Justice Bill. Leas Chathaoirleach Mark Daly took the Senators’ plain showing off to unprecedented levels while overseeing the planning debate, a grave matter with speakers from all sides delivering potent and rousing comments.
In the throes of a spirited discussion concerning the necessity for medical centres in expansive development projects, Mary Seery-Kearney abruptly halted her fervent address. She emphasised the urgent need to prioritise such considerations given the escalating competition for space in ever-concentrating urban regions. Her observations from previous planning decisions highlighted serious implications for quality of living standards.
Suddenly, Mark, with his inherent penchant for schmoozing with US politicians on Capitol Hill, interrupted. He relished these interactions due to the status and significance Senators command in America compared to their counterparts here. As he interjected, Mark wore a broad grin, casting amiable looks at the adjacent wall, causing a stunned Mary to end her discourse.
“A brief interruption,” he said, abuzz with excitement as he revealed the presence of a distinguished guest, the Lieutenant Governor of Washington, Mr Denny Heck. Mark greeted his special guest warmly and extended a hearty welcome to the reputed lawmaker. He paid tribute to Heck’s valuable service as a several-term Congress member and also acknowledged the presence of their Consul General, Micheál Smith.
He jokingly solicited Heck for advice on political administration, playfully inviting any suggestions on how to enhance the way they did their political handiwork. Most others might have dismissed the notion, taking into account the current political climate in the States.
The pair exchanged courteous smiles, following which Mark promptly resumed business. He cordially invited Mary to continue her impassioned argument. Expressing her gratitude, Mary proceeded to conclude her discussion, purposing to add a few final comments.
She proceeded to assert that, contrary to some narratives, there had been extensive pre-legislative deliberation concerning the Bill – something Senator Daly had overlooked whilst engrossed in signalling to Victor Boyhan, a substitute Chair. His flurry of gestures indicated Boyhan himself, the Lieutenant Governor Heck – a Democrat and president of the Washington State Senate – and ultimately, himself. Victor complied, taking the Chair, allowing Mark the freedom to associate with Smith and Heck. This manoeuvre was not overlooked. A bit later, when the Leas Chathaoirleach had left the room, Rebecca Moynihan from the Labour party, scheduled to discuss the thorny subject of compulsory acquisition orders, was still nettled by his antics. She wanted to clarify for the record that a person occupying the Chair shouldn’t disrupt a Senator mid-discourse to welcome a visitor to the gallery. She considered this unfair and stated it should occur post-member input. Her argument had merit. She further expressed it was grossly disrespectful to interrupt Senator Seery Kearney mid-speech. Again, she was accurate. The Seanad will resume in September.