Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:111 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment the progress, if any, that has been made regarding the development of a national land use policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6673/96]
Written Answers. - National Land Use Policy.
My Department is preparing a series of guidelines on land use policy issues for the guidance of local planning authorities. Guidelines on windfarms, telecommunications masts, forestry development, high amenity landscapes as well as on the scope and content of development plans are being developed initially. Draft guidelines on windfarms issued for public consultation last year and will be published in final form before the end of April. The large number of observations received on the draft guidelines on telecommunications masts are being carefully considered and guidelines in final form will issue as soon as possible. I hope to issue draft consultation guidelines on forestry development, high amenity landscapes and development plans later this year.
Together with the national sustainable development strategy, which will be published around the middle of this year, it is envisaged that the completed series of guidelines will provide a comprehensive national and local framework for land use planning.