Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
282. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific policy or piece of legislation that prevents the afforestation of lands designated as geological sites in county development plans with species composition comprising 80% conifer and 20% broadleaves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20114/23]
View answer283. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific policy or piece of legislation that prevents the afforestation of land designated in the County Galway development plan as a county geological site with species composition comprising 80% conifers and 20% broadleaves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20115/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 283 together.
While I am precluded from commenting on any particular case by virtue of section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, I can advise generally that in accordance with Section 10(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the First Schedule of the Act sets out purposes for which objectives may be indicated in a Development Plan.
Part IV of the Schedule indicates that this includes objectives for protecting and preserving (either in situ or by record) places, caves, sites, features and other objects of archaeological, geological, historical, scientific or ecological interest. Where such objectives are included in a development plan, the planning authority has a general duty under section 15 of the Act to take such steps within its powers as may be necessary for securing these objectives. The planning authority is also required under section 34(2) to have regard to the provisions of the development plan when making its decision in relation to any planning application that may come before it.
A protected geological area designation may also be informed by legal protection as a European Site under the Habitats or Birds Directives (e.g. a Special Area of Conservation or Special Protection Area), or as a Natural Heritage Area under the Wildlife Acts.
