asked the Minister for the Environment if he has initiated any change in the planning legislation governing exempted authorities, such as Government Departments, in pursuance of the promise in the 1987 Fianna Fáil Election Manifesto that such authorities would be required to give adequate public notice of major development proposals; and if there has been any change in the practice of such authorities since March 1987.
Written Answers. - Planning Legislation.
119.
State authorities, that is, Ministers of the Government and the Commissioners of Public Works, are not subject to normal planning procedures under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts but only to a limited form of consultation with the planning authority. I intend to examine the position in this regard in the course of an overall review of planning legislation, which will be initiated as soon as possible.
Implementation of EC Directive 85/337 on Environmental Impact Assessment, including its requirements as to giving of public notice, permits greater public participation in the prior assessment of certain projects, including those undertaken by State authorities, which are likely to have a significant effect on the environment.