Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
482. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the proposed regulations which the planning regulator is planning and which, if implemented, will be viewed as detrimental to rural Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16895/21]
View answerI am not aware of any proposed regulations put forward by the planning regulator, as referred to in the question. Further, a thorough check in my Department indicates that correspondence of this nature has not been received from the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR).
On a point of information, I wish to clarify that only the Minister has the power to make Regulations; the making of Regulations is not a function of the Office of the Planning Regulator. Moreover, whereas the Minister is responsible for determining planning policy, the statutory role of the planning regulator is plan evaluation and assessment; oversight and review of the performance of planning functions and the delivery of planning services; and, research, education and training.
