Vol. 526 No. 4
295 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will give an updated report on the final position of the Howth Special Amenity Area Order inspectors inquiry and development of the SAAO enforcement process. [27020/00]
Fingal County Council submitted the Howth special amenity area order to me for confirmation on 25 March 1999. As there were objections to this order, I directed that a public local inquiry be held, as required under section 43 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963.
The inquiry was held over nine days from 1 September to 15 September 1999 and following consideration of the inspector's report on the inquiry, on 16 May 2000, I confirmed, subject to minor modification, as recommended by the inspector, the Howth special amenity area order. In accordance with section 43(4) of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, the Fingal County Council (Howth) Special Amenity Area (Confirmation) Order, 2000 was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 18 May 2000. No resolution annulling the confirmation order was passed by either House within 21 sitting days after the order was laid before it, so the order has come into effect. The 21 sitting days requirement expired in Dáil Éireann on 4 October 2000 and in Seanad Éireann on 18 October 2000. My Department has advised Fingal County Council accordingly. All issues relating to the enforcement of the provisions of the special amenity area order are matters for Fingal County Council and I have no responsibilities in that regard.
