A planning authority has power, under section 202(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, to make an order declaring an area to be an area of special amenity, where it considers that this should be done by reason of: “(a) its outstanding natural beauty, or (b) its special recreational value, and having regard to any benefits for nature conservation”. As Minister I have power under section 202(3) of the Act to direct a planning authority to make such an order. Orders must be confirmed by An Bord Pleanála. I am fully supportive of the protection and enhancement of the Liffey Valley as an amenity. In 2009, my predecessor requested the relevant authorities (South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council) to consider the evaluation of lands to be the subject of further Special Amenity Area Orders. Responses were received from these authorities but no decision on issuing a direction or directions was made by my predecessor prior to leaving office. Given the time that has elapsed since the relevant planning authorities responded I am considering writing to them again to seek their views/intentions in relation to further Special Amenity Area Orders. However I do not propose to issue any directions to the planning authorities concerned at this time. A number of years ago the Office of Public Works commissioned a strategy document Towards a Liffey Valley Park, which set out recommendations for the creation of a process towards the establishment of a park with a management framework for the Liffey Valley area. The matter of the implementation of these recommendations, or similar steps, is one for the local authorities concerned.
