I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 33 and 145 together.
In accordance with normal practice, the guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable rural housing have been issued in draft form to give all those interested an opportunity to comment before the guidelines are finalised in statutory form. I intend carefully to consider any suggestions for clarifying or improving the guidelines before they are finalised. Comments are to be submitted to my Department by 30 April.
In view of the importance of the rural housing issue and the fact that there has already been extensive opportunity for public debate, I have requested planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to have regard to the draft guidelines with effect from the date of their publication. The guidelines are a material consideration both regarding development plans and in the consideration of planning applications. Planning authorities are required to review and vary their development plans, where necessary, to ensure their policies on rural settlement are consistent with the policies set out in the guidelines.
The new guidelines have two main functions. First, to facilitate people who have roots in or links with the rural community, and are part of or contribute to that community, in getting planning permission for their housing proposals, subject to normal planning requirements. Second, in the interest of sustaining population levels, planning authorities are required under the guidelines to ensure that any demand for housing in rural areas suffering from population decline is, subject to good planning practice, accommodated.
The guidelines provide a policy framework setting out in detail how Government policy on rural housing as set out in the national spatial strategy is to be taken forward by local authorities in planning more effectively for rural areas. I am aware of the views expressed by the Irish Planning Institute. However, I reiterate that, regarding rural housing, sustainable development requires an explicit acknowledgement of the role that people living in rural areas have to play in supporting a dynamic rural economy and social structure.
I consider that planning authorities must adopt a positive and proactive approach to dealing with housing in rural areas. The guidelines provide that they should act as facilitators in bringing together the elected members, officials, farming and community organisations, organisations representing rural dwellers, environmental organisations and the wider public to create a shared view of how rural housing is to be addressed, with a view to building ownership in development plans and their implementation.