Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 June 2021
116. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of quarries that are operating without the benefit of planning permission; if he has reviewed this with all planning authorities; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32224/21]
View answerPlanning statistics are compiled by each planning authority on an annual basis for collation and publication on my Department’s website, at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/service/9e4ee-get-planning-statistics/.
The data collected relates to the total number of applications and decisions for all developments that require planning permission, broken down by year and planning authority. However, the data is not broken down by reason for the grant or refusal of permission, including in respect of quarries. Furthermore, the data does not include quarries that are operating without the benefit of planning permission. Unauthorised quarries are an enforcement matter for the relevant planning authorities and information in this regard may be sought directly from the individual planning authorities.
In addition, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical office, compiles and makes available detailed data on a number of planning related issues including permissions granted and completions by development type and county. Data is available at the following link on the CSO website: https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/construction/planningpermissions/.
