asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on the proper co-ordination of the publication of draft development plans which are at present prepared by local authorities at different times and sometimes without proper co-ordination and co-operation between the local authorities involved; and if he intends to legislate for the proper enforcement of what is laid down in these plans.
Written Answers. - Draft Development Plan.
41.
I am not aware of any serious lack of co-operation and co-ordination between adjoining planning authorities in drawing up and adopting development plans. The fact that planning authorities do not carry out development plan reviews simultaneously does not in itself create any difficulties for co-operation or co-ordination.
Where a planning authority have prepared a draft development plan or variations of a development plan, a copy of the draft plan or draft variation must be sent to every planning authority whose area is contiguous to the area of the planning authority which prepared the draft. These planning authorities may, like any other body, make representations in relation to the draft plan or draft variation and prior to adoption of the plan, such representations must be taken into consideration.
Planning authorities have a duty in accordance with the provisions of section 22 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963 to take such steps as may be necessary for securing the objectives which are contained in the provisions of the development plan. The Planning Acts also contain a broad range of enforcement powers which are available to planning authorities to ensure the proper control of planning and development in their areas as set out in the policies and objectives of their development plans. I have no proposals to amend the law in this regard.