Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 4

Written Answers. - Planning Regulations.

Michael Woods

Question:

134 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for the Environment if he will define the word, "used", contained in the Local Government (Planning and Development Regulations) 1997, S.I. 78 of 1997, regarding section 4, column 1 (i) which exempts from the requirement for planning permission antennae for mobile telephony by way of attachment to an existing antenna support structure used in connection with radio transmission or reception; if this requires that the support structure or antennae were in use for any of the above purposes within the period immediately prior to 13 February 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4867/97]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The application of the regulations referred to in particular cases is a matter, in the first instance, for the local planning authorities in the context of their responsibilities for the enforcement of the Planning Acts. Where a question arises as to what, in any particular case, is or is not an exempted development, the question may be referred by any of the parties concerned to An Bord Pleanála for decision under section 5 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, as amended.