Question:
135 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will formally request all local authorities to adhere to new planning density proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8540/99]
Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.
The draft planning guidelines on residential density have been issued for public consultation until 30 April 1999. Interested parties have been asked to submit any comments they may have to the Department. All submissions received will be taken into consideration before a final version of the guidelines issues as soon as possible thereafter.
However, in view of the importance of the issue and the advanced state of the guidelines, my Department has requested local authorities to take them on board straight away even though they are only in draft form and to put them into effect both at development plan level, where they may be currently reviewing their plans, and at planning control level.