Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 1

Written Answers. - Environmental Policy.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

435 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when he will issue new instructions to An Bord Pleanála and An Dúchas instructing them to co-operate to ensure planning permissions are forthcoming quickly in view of his recent statement encouraging the development of wind farms [25903/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

My Department published guidelines for planning authorities on wind farm development in September 1996. The guidelines (a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library) identify relevant planning and land use issues which planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála must have regard in formulating development plans and considering a planning application or appeal in relation to a wind farm. I intend to review the 1996 guidelines in the near future to ensure that they are fully up to date.

My Department's heritage service is charged with the remit to protect, conserve and maintain the State's natural and built, including archaeological, heritage. These responsibilities arise from both national and European law. My Department is therefore a statutory consultee in relation to planning applications, where impacts on natural or built heritage may arise. In this context, the Department provides comments, advice and recommendations to the relevant planning authority on planning applications, including those for wind farms Decisions on the granting or refusal of planning permission rest with the planning authority.