Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 2

Written Answers. - Planning Appeals.

John Perry

Question:

366 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if her attention has been drawn to the objections lodged by An Taisce against a planning application (details supplied) in Ballymote, County Sligo, which is an area designated in the rural renewal scheme in the upper Shannon region; her views on this objection in view of the fact that Ballymote has suffered particularly badly in past decades with regard to social and economic conditions and in further view of the fact that the aim of the scheme is to regenerate designated areas in a restricted timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21898/00]

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

Notification of the planning application for the proposed development was received in my Department in August 2000 from the planning authority. It is being assessed from an archaeological perspective and a response will issue from my Department shortly including, if warranted, a report / recommendations.

My Department was not aware of the objections lodged by An Taisce in this case until the Deputy made them available to me in the context of this question. Having examined them, I am satisfied that this matter is outside my remit for the protection of the built and natural heritage and is a matter in the first instance for the planning authority under the local government, planning and development code. Neither my Department nor I are parties to such decision making process other than to offer advice and make recommendations, where warranted.