Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013
492. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a means for planning applications based on medical circumstances to be considered centrally (details supplied). [24029/13]
View answerMy Department's Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing (2005) are designed to achieve a balance between a good planning framework for rural housing and the local housing needs of those who are part of, or have links to, local rural communities. The Guidelines elaborate on the physical development policies for rural areas as set out in the Government's National Spatial Strategy (2002) which, inter alia, promotes sustainable rural settlement as a key component of delivering more balanced regional development. The Guidelines set out how planning authorities should frame their development plan policies for the different types of rural areas which may exist within the development plan area, such as rural areas close to large towns and cities or those suffering from population decline. They also provide guidance to planning authorities on dealing with planning applications for rural housing including consideration of issues such as exceptional health circumstances.
The application of the provisions of the Guidelines in an individual case is a matter for the relevant planning authority, or An Bord Pleanála, where appropriate.
I have no plans to provide a means for planning applications based on medical circumstances to be considered centrally. I am satisfied that the Guidelines are being implemented effectively and fairly, and I will continue to keep them under review in this regard.
