Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 February 2005
106 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the difficulties which have been brought to his attention by local authorities or the CIF with respect to the operation of Part V of the Planning and Development Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3887/05]
View answer
Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 was commenced on 1 November 2000. It provided that planning authorities prepare housing strategies by 31 July 2001 and incorporate the strategies into development plans by way of a variation before the social and affordable housing provisions of the part could apply to relevant residential planning applications. As a result it was late 2001 or early 2002 before it became operational in many local authorities.
As with any new scheme, my Department issued extensive guidance to assist planning authorities and others to implement the new arrangements. Notwithstanding this, local authorities and builders have encountered some difficulties, from time to time, in its operation since 2002. My Department would clarify most of these, where necessary, through the issue of further circulars or more detailed guidance. This arose particularly in late 2002 when, following a review and amendment of the Act, further guidance issued in 2003 followed by a series of regional seminars involving all stakeholders.
While Part V is now fully operational in all local authorities, some further operational issues, for example, direct sale of Part V affordable units by developers to eligible applicants nominated by local authorities, have been brought to my attention by local authorities and the Irish Home Builders Association, IHBA. Indeed, my Department is in ongoing correspondence and discussions with a number of interested parties, including the IHBA, on the operation of Part V. Following consideration of these matters, further guidance will be issued as necessary.
