Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 3

Written Answers - Planning Permission Applications.

Joe Higgins

Question:

300 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands if her Department has made any submission to Kerry County Council regarding an application for planning permission for 21 two storey holiday homes near Ventry in Corca Dhuibhne. [2812/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera):

I am aware that an application for outline planning permission was submitted on 31 December 1998 to Kerry County Council in respect of 21 holiday homes and site development works, including landscaping and sewage treatment plant, at Ventry, Dingle, County Kerry, a copy of which was subsequently forwarded by my Department.

Following a review of the application, officials of Dúchas, my Department's heritage service, issued an initial recommendation that the developer should engage the services of a qualified archaeologist to carry out an assessment of the proposed development and describe its impact on the known and potential archaeology of the site. It is envisaged that a copy of this report should be submitted to the local authority and to my Department in advance of planning permission being granted.

From the point of view of the natural heritage, Dúchas would not propose to object to the application as no development is to take place within the boundaries of the proposed natural heritage area of Ventry Dunes and Marshes. However, adequate steps will need to be taken to ensure that the disposal of sewage-effluent will have no negative impact on the ecology of the site.