8.—(1) After the expiry of the period afforded for making objections to a development plan or to the alteration, repeal or replacement of a development plan or, if such objections have been duly made within that period, after considering the objections so made, and, where a public local inquiry is held, the report of the planning appeals commission, the Department may by order adopt the plan, alteration, repeal or replacement in whole or in part (whether with or without modifications) or reject it.
(2) A development plan or any alteration, repeal or replacement of a development plan shall become operative on a date appointed for the purpose in the order under paragraph (1) adopting the plan or the alteration, repeal or replacement.