Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 October 2006
322 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Irish Rural Dwellers Association should be a nominating body to An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31116/06]
View answerIn the context of new Planning and Development Regulations to be finalised shortly I intend to make the Irish Rural Dwellers Association (IRDA) a nominating body for An Bord Pleanála.
323 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether it is incorrect that membership of An Taisce is secret; his further views on whether there should be transparency in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31117/06]
View answerAn Taisce is an independent non-governmental organisation and I have no detailed information regarding its membership.
In general terms it is a matter for non-governmental organisations to regulate their own affairs, without Government involvement. However, general provisions have been included in Section 10 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 for the prescription of additional requirements for environmental organisations which must be satisfied in order for them to make an appeal against a decision by a planning authority on applications for development involving environmental impact assessment. Any regulations made under that provision must be of a general nature and for the purposes of promoting transparency and accountability in the operation of the non-governmental organisations involved.
