Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
204. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a media report (details supplied); his views on same; if consideration is being given to removing the obligation on planning authorities to comply with section 28 guidelines and Specific Planning Policy Requirements as part of the review of planning legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36947/22]
View answer“Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland” 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. This review is being led by the Attorney General and he has established a working group of professionals with planning law expertise to assist him in this work. It is due to be finalised by the end of the year. Extensive work is under way on the review and my Department is engaging with the Attorney General and the working group on it.
All provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, including those relating to Section 28 guidelines and Specific Planning Policy Requirements, will be examined in the context of this review.
My Department is also engaging with stakeholders on the review and in this regard has established a Planning Advisory Forum consisting of representatives from a broad range of sectors, including the public sector, business, environmental, social and knowledge based sectors. The role of this Forum, which I chair, is to input to the evolving policy and legal agenda, particularly in relation to the Planning Legislation Review.
