asked the Minister for the Environment whether in his view, the provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976, are an effective safeguard against unauthorised developments.
Written Answers. - Local Government Planning Act.
555.
I am generally satisfied that the enforcement provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976, together with the enforcement provisions contained in the other Planning Acts, are an effective safeguard against unauthorised developments. The operation of the enforcement provisions is kept under review.
556.
asked the Minister for the Environment the number of applications made to the High Court for injunctions under section 27 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976; the number of such applications made by (a) local authorities and (b) private individuals; and the number under each category which were successful.
Information on the numbers of applications made to the High Court for injunctions under section 27 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976, is available for 1982 and 1983 from returns made to my Department by local authorities. In 1982, 65 applications were made by planning authorities and 46 applications were granted. In 1983, 61 applications were made by planning authorities and 40 applications were granted.
As regards applications from other persons, the only figures available relate to those applications known to planning authorities and are as follows: in 1982, two applications were made by other persons and two applications were granted; in 1983, seven applications were made by other persons and four applications were granted.
557.
asked the Minister for the Environment whether he considers an amendment to the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976, which would allow applications under section 27 to be taken in the Circuit Court, would be desirable.
I am not convinced that an amendment on the lines suggested in the Deputy's question would be desirable. However, the whole area of the enforcement of planning control is currently being examined as part of the general review of planning law and the enforcement provisions of the 1976 Act will be specifically examined in this context.