Local Government Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013

Tuesday, 16 July 2013

Questions (789, 823)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

789. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost of devolving planning powers back to councillors. [34852/13]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

823. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost of devolving planning powers back to councillors. [35287/13]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 789 and 823 together.

Elected members have significant powers already available to them under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, particularly in relation to the forward planning function. Related costs fall to be met by the relevant planning authorities in the normal way. There are currently no legislative proposals which would alter these arrangements.