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Legislative Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 October 2021

Wednesday, 20 October 2021

Questions (108)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

108. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the recently announced comprehensive review of planning legislation; the details on those that are involved in the group conducting the review; the terms of reference; the timeline for completion of the review; and if there will be an opportunity for third party and Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage involvement in the review before it makes any recommendations to Government. [51459/21]

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Written answers

Housing for All sets out a number of objectives with the aim of improving the functioning of the planning system including the comprehensive review and consolidation of planning legislation.  The review is being overseen by the Attorney General and he has established a working group of professionals with planning law expertise to assist him in this work.

The review forms one of the actions in Housing for All and is set in the context of the broad policy outlined therein and it is intended that it will be completed by December 2022. 

My Department is currently establishing a Planning Advisory Forum which will be a key element of the planning review.  It will manage the stakeholder engagement through the process and will be chaired by my colleague, Peter Burke, Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government.  The overall aim of the planning review is to ensure the clarity and coherence of the legislation, and will aim to avoid unnecessary change. However, if significant policy issues emerge through this process, my Department will consider the need for consultation beyond the Planning Advisory Forum.

The primary aim of the Forum will be to engage with stakeholders on themes to input into the review of planning legislation.  It is intended that the Forum will have a wide stakeholder membership to input to the evolving policy and legal agenda, with representatives from a broad range of sectors, including representation from the public sector, business, environmental, social and knowledge based sectors. My Department will shortly be contacting various groups and interested bodies to ask them to participate in it. 

Pre-legislative scrutiny will be undertaken on any proposed legislation arising out of the review of planning legislation and views of the Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage will be considered as part of that process.

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