Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 1

Written Answers. - Planning Applications.

John Perry

Question:

162 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the number of site assessments to be carried out by Dúchas in counties Sligo and Leitrim as a planning permission requirement; the reason for the backlog; the steps she has in place to address this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23840/99]

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

Under the 1994 Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, as amended, planning authorities are obliged to notify certain prescribed bodies of planning applications received by them, depending on the nature and effects of the proposed development on the interests of the body concerned. My Department, as the State authority charged with the protection and conservation of the nation's natural and built heritage, is one of the prescribed bodies. Where such applications are referred to my Department they are assessed by Dúchas, the heritage service, whose views are conveyed to the planning authority where they are so warranted.

The number of planning applications assessed by the national monuments and historic properties division and the national parks and wildlife division of Dúchas each year since 1995 was approximately 2,600, 2,900, 3,800, 5,800 and 5,900 (to mid-November 1999) respectively. This represents a 127% increase over the last five years and is as a result of the growth in the economy over the same period as well as an increased awareness of heritage matters generally. Inevitably in such situations backlogs of work will arise and while every effort is made to clear them as quickly as possible it is not always possible to do so. The staffing needs of the Department are continuously under review to ensure the optimum deployment of staff resources and I am aware the staffing needs of these areas are being reviewed at present. The number of planning applications for counties Leitrim and Sligo assessed by the two divisions in the same period are 190, 280, 330, 390 and 310 (to mid-November 1999) respectively. There are about 140 planning applications for these two counties currently waiting assessment.

Where a proposed development would impact on an area of heritage importance, Dúchas may have no objection to the proposed development; or recommend to the planning authority the incorporation of conditions in the grant permission that would address their concerns in relation to this site; or, object to the proposed development and recommend to the planning authority the refusal of planning permission.

It is a matter solely for the planning authority to decide whether or not to accept such recommendations and I would hope that the planning authority in their decision would address any concerns raised with them by Dúchas.

Where a planning authority, in deciding to grant permission for a proposed development, incorporate conditions recommended by Dúchas, it is a matter for that planning authority to ensure the developer complies with such conditions. As planning permissions are valid for five years Dúchas does not have details of the number of such assessments outstanding at any time and the Deputy may be able to obtain such information from the respective planning authorities.