Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 February 2014
134. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the national landscape plan; the way the plan will deal with offshore views and prospects; the way the plan will manage conflicts that can currently exist in the level of protection afforded to similar landscape types in different county development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9775/14]
View answerFollowing on from work in this area by an interdepartmental Steering Group chaired by my Department, and taking into account submissions arising from the public consultation in respect of the National Landscape Strategy Issues Paper, I expect to bring proposals to Government later this year with a view to finalising the National Landscape Strategy for publication.
The Strategy will set out Ireland's objectives and actions with regard to landscape in accordance with the high level objectives of the European Landscape Convention. One of the primary objectives of the National Landscape Strategy will be to assist in the achievement of greater consistency in decision making across the country when dealing with issues of landscape. However, the primary role of planning authorities and the consultative roles of other bodies and persons in decision-making relating to issues that affect the landscape will continue to be governed by the provisions of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012.
