3.—(1) For the purpose of considering representations made in respect of an application made under paragraph 1, the Department may direct the Appeals Commission to hold a public local inquiry.N.I.
(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4) Where any representations made in respect of an application made under paragraph 1 are, in the opinion of the Department, relevant to a public local inquiry to be held [under section 26 of the Planning Act (developments of regional significance)], the Department may direct that those representations shall be considered by that inquiry.
(5) The Department shall give notice of any direction made under sub-paragraph (1) or (4) to—
(a)the person making the application;
[(b)the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, where the discharge to which the application relates is to be made in the Londonderry Area or the Newry Area;]
(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
and (without prejudice to section 23 of the [1954 c.33 (N.I.).] Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954) that person and the Foyle Fisheries Commission [(in a case within head (b))] shall be entitled to appear and be heard at the relevant inquiry.
(6) The Department shall give notice of any direction under sub-paragraph (4) to the person who made the application under the [Planning Act] which is the subject of the public local inquiry to which the notice relates.
(7) Paragraph 2(2) shall not apply to an application made under paragraph 1 where the Department makes a direction under sub-paragraph (1) or (4) of this paragraph.
(8) Where the Department makes a direction under paragraph (1) or (4) in relation to an application, it shall in determining the application consider the report on the public local inquiry held by the Appeals Commission or, as the case may be, the Planning Appeals Commission [or other person appointed to hold a public local inquiry under section 26 of the Planning Act].
[(9) In this paragraph, “ the Planning Act ” means the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. ]