Planning Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016

Wednesday, 13 January 2016

Questions (865)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

865. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has any concerns about the proposed construction of the northern distributor road in the Clare County Council Development Plan given the extensive recent flooding in the Shannon catchment area and especially around the Clonlara area in County Clare; if he has the power to veto such a proposal in the county council's development plans if they exacerbate flood risk in an area; and if he has considered vetoing this proposal, given that Limerick City and County Council rejected the proposal on the grounds that it will increase flood risk in the Shannon catchment area. [1117/16]

Written answers

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

Where a planning authority is making a new Development Plan or varying a Development Plan, my Department considers the plan in light of government guidance and policy, including compliance with flood risk assessment guidelines issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

I understand that An Bord Pleanála approved the project referred to in the Question on 16 September 2011. In this connection, I am specifically precluded, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.