After a very long process, the Cork County Council development plan 2022-2028 was recently adopted by the elected members. The Office of the Planning Regulator has now stepped in and recommended changes to housing density in the Carrigtwohill area. It wants very high density in a rural area. The Minister has issued draft directions to the county council and there is a process going through at the moment. Is the Minister bound at the end of the day or has he the flexibility to adhere to the recommendations made by the members in the plan? Does he have to go ahead with these very high-density apartment blocks in a rural area, which in my view are unviable?

My understanding is the planning regulator makes recommendations to the Minister, who considers those recommendations and makes a determination. It is fair to say the views of the Office of the Planning Regulator would be a very important consideration for the Minister in making the final decision but, as I understand it, it is a final decision for the Minister.