John Bruton
Question:139 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason he has not yet brought into force section 256 of the Planning Act, 2000; and when he will bring this section into force. [19300/01]
Written Answers. - Planning Regulations.
I intend to commence section 256 of the Act, which relates to the consideration by planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála of developments for which an integrated pollution control licence is required, together with the general control of development provisions in the Act. Regulations are currently being finalised by my Department which will enable me to bring these provisions of the Act into force. Some of these regulations require the prior approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas. I have also undertaken to bring the regulations in their entirety before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Local Government for discussion prior to bringing them into force.
I propose to submit a draft of the regulations for approval within the next month.