John Bruton
Question:530 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation to underpin or give effect to the national spatial development strategy. [1360/00]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
Section 23 of the Planning and Development Bill, 1999, which has been passed by the Seanad and is now before the House, will require regional planning guidelines to take account of Government policies and objectives, including any national plans, policies or strategies specified by the Minister to be relevant to the determination of strategic planning policies. In turn, local development plans will have to have regard to any regional planning guidelines in force. I am considering introducing some amendments to the Bill with the aim of further strengthening the linkages between the proposed national spatial strategy and local development plans. On a wider level, I envisage that, in the context of drawing up an implementation programme as part of the strategy, consideration will be given to the need for, or desirability of, further legislation.