Vol. 543 No. 5
361 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when the guidelines for planning authorities on the development plan will be finalised; and when local authorities will be notified that they may commence the process of drawing up new county development plans. [27507/01]
371 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if local authorities may commence the process of drawing up new county development plans arising from the passing of the Planning and Development Act, 2000; and if not, if he will make a statement on the matter. [27525/01]
I propose to take Question Nos. 361 and 371 together.
The provisions of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, relating to development plans came into force on 1 January 2001. Since that date, planning authorities have been empowered to review existing development plans and prepare new development plans in accordance with the provisions of the 2000 Act. My Department has already issued guidance to planning authorities in relation to, inter alia, the development plan provisions of the 2000 Act. Guidelines for planning authorities on the form and content of development plans are currently being prepared by my Department and will be published soon in draft form for a period of public consultation. Following consideration of any submissions received during the public consultation process, the guidelines will be issued in their final form as ministerial guidelines under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000.
