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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 4

Written Answers. - Planning Issues.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

98 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government his policy in relation to planning permission for single houses in rural Ireland. [28379/03]

Liz McManus

Question:

103 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government when he intends to introduce the promised guidelines under the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002 to deal with the issue of one off housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28440/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 103 together.

Overall Government policy on rural housing is set out in the national spatial strategy, NSS, published in November 2003. The rural settlement policy framework contained in the NSS aims to sustain and renew established rural communities, while strengthening the structure of villages and smaller settlements to support local economies, ensuring that key assets in rural areas are protected to support quality of life and ensuring also that rural settlement policies are responsive to the differing local circumstances in different areas. It is of particular importance, as the Taoiseach and I have made clear, that we cater for those who have roots in an area and make an economic contribution to that area.

It is vitally important that there is certainty and consistency in the implementation by planning authorities of Government policy in this matter through their own development plans and in the operation of the development control system under planning legislation. This is the purpose of the guidelines under the Planning and Development Act which I intend to bring forward to deal with this issue. These are at an advanced stage of preparation and I hope to publish them before the end of the year.
The guidelines will also be aimed, through the operation of the planning system, at securing greater public awareness of the issues involved in rural settlement policies and greater consensus on the practical implementation of those policies.
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