Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2005
589 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will change planning laws in order that stand alone buildings cannot be demolished without proper planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30049/05]
View answerUnder the Planning and Development Act 2000, and regulations made under it, the demolition of a building is an exempt development unless it is a habitable house, a building which forms part of a terrace of buildings, or a building which abuts on another building in separate ownership, or under section 57, a protected structure or proposed protected structure. The latter section also provides that a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála shall not grant permission for the demolition of a protected structure or a proposed protected structure save in exceptional circumstances. I am satisfied that these provisions give adequate protection for buildings that should not be demolished without consent and do not propose to amend the legislation.
