Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
86. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the level of engagement that his Department has had with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in the context of reviewing planning laws pertaining to renewable energy developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52271/22]
View answerThe Review and Consolidation of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) is being overseen by the Attorney General and he has appointed a working group of professionals with planning law expertise to assist him in this work.
A dedicated Planning Legislation Review Unit has been established within my Department to work closely with the Attorney General and his working group on an ongoing basis, particularly with regards to any policy implications of proposed changes, responsibility for which lies within the remit of the Minister.
To supplement this work, extensive stakeholder engagement has been undertaken and continues to take place. A Planning Advisory Forum has been established, which I Chair. An inter-Departmental group, with representatives of other relevant Government Departments including the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, has also been established. There has also been significant bilateral engagement with that Department.
All provisions in the Planning and Development Act, including relating to planning consents, are being examined as part of the review. It is intended that the review will be completed shortly with a Bill intended to go before Government before the year end.
