Noel Ahern
Question:38 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to update the planning and development acts. [12892/97]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
The planning code is a very live body of law that affects a wide range of economic and social activities. Since the original Act in 1963, the code has been subject to frequent amendment and extension and is constantly under review in my Department. The heads of a further planning Bill are currently at an advanced stage of preparation. Issues to be covered include strengthening the protection of the architectural heritage, proposals arising from the recently published "Sustainable Development: A Strategy for Ireland" and the revision of the provision in relation to certain kinds of exempted development, such as forestry and peat extraction.