Planning Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 December 2013

Wednesday, 18 December 2013

Questions (158)

Anne Ferris

Question:

158. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the input his Department has had to date into the preparation of the national landscape plan by the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht; if, in view of the strong link between landscape protection and wind farm-grid development, he will consider the possibility of his Department taking over responsibility for landscape planning as an intrinsic element of town planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54634/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

My Department, along with other Departments and State Bodies, is currently participating in a Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht-led Steering Group to consider a number of relevant issues, including planning aspects, in developing a National Landscape Strategy for Ireland.

The assignment of ministerial responsibilities is a matter for the Taoiseach, who has assigned lead ministerial responsibility for developing a National Landscape Strategy to my colleague Mr. Jimmy Deenihan, T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.