These recommendations from the Heritage Council, published in May 2002, cover a wide range of issues, some of which have been implemented. Others are still under examination by my Department.
The Planning and Development Act, 2000, grants additional powers to planning authorities to preserve valuable landscapes through the development plan. Objectives to preserve landscape character must be included in the development plan, where the planning authority believes it is necessary for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The 2000 Act also enables planning authorities to designate special landscapes as landscape conservation areas. Additional restrictions on types of development that are normally exempt will apply in these areas.