Vol. 501 No. 3
276 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the way in which large holes could be dug in a special area of conservation without any planning permission; and if he will investigate this matter. [5805/99]
All development, unless specifically exempted under the planning Acts and regulations, needs planning permission regardless of whether such development is situated in a special area of conservation or otherwise. Where there is doubt over what is development, any person may refer the case to An Bord Pleanála under section 5 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, and the board will decide if it is development or exempted development.
In addition, operations or activities which are exempted from planning permission or other statutory controls, in accordance with the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, require the consent of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands where such activities are proposed to be carried out in a special area of conservation, unless they are carried out in accordance with the terms of a management agreement with that Minister.
