Vol. 566 No. 1
739 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason for the delay in the introduction of section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000; when this section will be brought in to force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12136/03]
Many quarries currently in operation pre-date the 1963 Planning Act and have not therefore been subject to planning control. Under section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, quarries over five years old, whether subject to planning permission or otherwise, are required to be registered with the planning authority. Planning authorities will then be entitled to impose conditions on the operation of registered quarries. Quarries which have not previously obtained planning permission may also be required to undergo environmental impact assessment and to apply for planning permission where their area is greater than five hectares or where they are situated in designated sites such as SACs, SPAs and NHAs where their continued operation would be likely to have a significant effect on the environment.
My Department is currently preparing detailed guidance for the assistance of planning authorities on the implementation of section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. It is intended to commence this section of the Act following the publication of the guidance in the autumn.
