Skip to main content
Normal View

Planning Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

Questions (2166, 2175, 2263)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

2166. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if the working group comprising representatives of his Department and of planning authorities tasked to undertake a review of the 2005 planning guidelines for sustainable rural housing has had its first meeting; if its work is now underway; the reason it has taken until 2017 to act on the judgment of the European Court of Justice in 2013 in the Flemish decree case; the reason he has not rescinded the 2005 guidelines in view of this European ruling rather than holding them in place pending the outcome of the review; if he has received advice on same; his views on whether persons could have a case for compensation for the refusal of their application to provide a home for themselves and their families under the restrictions contained in the rural housing guidelines over the period since the 2013 European Court Judgment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26941/17]

View answer

Josepha Madigan

Question:

2175. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government further to the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in a case (details supplied) which found insufficient support for measures giving residents of an area preference in acquiring housing in that area, his views on the impact that this will have on similar restrictions imposed by county councils here. [27147/17]

View answer

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

2263. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on the implications for local authorities and planning regulations here of a European Court of Justice ruling against the Flemish authorities in relation to restrictions on non locals living in certain areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28965/17]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2166, 2175 and 2263 together.

The Working Group that is reviewing the 2005 Planning Guidelines on Sustainable Rural Housing has been established in light of ongoing engagement between the European Commission and my Department on the matter, arising from the European Court of Justice ruling in the Flemish decree case referred to.  The Working Group held its first meeting on 18 May and a further meeting on 13 June. It would be inappropriate to rescind any part of the 2005 Guidelines until the nature of the action required on foot of the Court’s ruling is decided upon, in consultation with the European Commission. 

It is intended that the revisions to the Guidelines will be finalised in the second half of 2017. When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, which requires planning authorities, and where appropriate An Bord Pleanála, to have regard to any such planning guidelines in the performance of their statutory functions under the Planning Acts.

Top
Share