Vol. 397 No. 10
80 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment if he will bring under planning control, deleting from the schedule of exempted developments in S.I. No. 65 of 1977, the siting and development of golf courses; if so, when he intends to take such action; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
81 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on the problems and difficulties associated with golf courses (details supplied) in County Kerry which include interference with and rerouting of existing rights of way, inadequate consultations with the public using rights of way, the initiation of erosion particularly in sand dune systems, damage to areas of scientific interest and the introduction of club houses into areas where building would not normally be permitted; if he will outline his intentions to rectify these problems; if such developments should be brought under the normal planning process; if not, the regulations which should be brought into force to protect the areas affected; and the regulations which are used at present.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 81 together. Development consisting of the laying out and the use of land as a golf course, incorporating parking space for not less than 24 cars, is exempted development for the purposes of the Planning Acts by virtue of Article 10 and Class 26 (c) of Part I of the Third Schedule of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1977 (S.I. No. 65 of 1977). Construction of club houses for golf courses is not exempted development.
The provisions of the planning regulations as regards exempted development, including the position of golf courses, will be considered in the review of those regulations which is currently in progress in my Department.
