Vol. 403 No. 1
174 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if he proposes to issue guidelines to local authorities and to An Bord Pleanála, in respect of the planning criteria that should be taken into account when considering applications for planning permission for golf courses; and in particular, golf courses which can have such a substantial environmental impact on the marine coastal zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Development consisting of the laying out and use of land as a golf course, incorporating parking space for not less than 24 cars, does not require planning permission, by virtue of the exempted development provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations, 1977 (S.I. No. 65 of 1977). A general review of planning regulations, including the provisions relating to exempted development, is in progress in my Department and the position of golf courses is being considered in this context.
