Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 February 2014
415. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm that there is a special exemption for the carrying out of coastal protection works in special areas of conservation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4973/14]
View answerCoastal protection works above the high water line are considered to be "development" for the purposes of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and therefore generally require planning permission. In the event that the works are to be carried out by a local authority, they will not require planning permission, but will require the approval of the elected members of the local authority, or, if the works require the undertaking of an environmental impact assessment or appropriate assessment, the approval of the An Bord Pleanála under section 175 or 177AE of the Planning Act, as appropriate. In addition, where the works would be likely to impact on a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is required to be consulted and have his or her views considered before the relevant permission or approval is given.
