asked the Minister for Local Government if he will ensure that town and country will not be treated as separate concepts in the formulation of planning policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Planning Policy.
20.
The Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, provides, in the interests of the common good, for the proper planning and development of cities, towns and other areas, whether urban or rural. There is adequate provision for consultation and co-ordination and I am satisfied that urban and rural planning authorities fully appreciate the inter-relationship between towns and their hinterlands. However, it will be necessary to have separate development plans as long as responsibility rests with urban and rural authorities.
With reference to the circular sent out a short time ago by the Minister suggesting to local authorities that there should be greater laxity, is he giving a blanket permission to local authorities to contravene the provisions of their development plans? Is the Minister asking local authorities to contravene these plans without giving them permission so to contravene these plans?
That is a separate issue.
It should be an easy answer and it is not a separate question.