We welcome the opportunity to provide this submission on the Planning and Development Bill 2022. We take this opportunity to highlight the deep-rooted relationship between planning and development, and human rights and equality. Human rights cannot be enjoyed without an accessible, safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and planning and development in the State has, and will continue to have, significant impacts on the human rights and equality of multiple cross-sections of society including but not limited to: children; disabled people; and minority or marginalised groups such as the Traveller community. Many human rights and equality issues are intrinsically linked to, and impacted by, planning and development, such as the ability to access accommodation, including that which is suitable and which satisfies cultural needs; the right to live independently and be included in the community; and the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
Download accessible word version of Submission on the Planning and Development Bill 2022