I propose to take Questions Nos. 959 and 960 together.
An Interdepartmental Group (comprising officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; and Údarás na Gaeltachta) is in place to support and accelerate the ongoing work in relation to planning in Gaeltacht areas. One of the key aims of this group is to ensure that procedures and systems will be tailored as appropriate to facilitate an effective and consistent approach by the relevant local authorities in managing planning related issues in Gaeltacht areas.
The Interdepartmental Group met on 15th December 2022 where it was agreed to commence, under the direction of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, a study in 2023 on the methodology and format for Linguistic Impact Statements as a key elements of future planning guidelines. This study was subsequently commissioned and commenced in February this year. The consultant’s work is nearing completion and will inform draft guidelines for Gaeltacht areas.
Separately, a Working Group was established to examine various aspects of the planning process in all Gaeltacht areas made up of representatives from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the relevant local authorities. A recent meeting of the Working Group took place in July 2023 where members were briefed that new planning guidelines were being drafted and it was intended to publish these shortly for a period of public consultation.
The draft guidelines for Gaeltacht Areas are subject to mandatory screening under EU law for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), as well as for the purposes of Appropriate Assessment (AA). Subject to this screening period of 4-5 weeks, it is intended that a draft of the guidelines will be published thereafter for public consultation.
