Trevor Sargent
Ceist:174 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment whether he intends to review the current segregation of planning licences from pollution licences. [14406/96]
Written Answers. - Planning and Pollution Licences.
The assignment to the Environment Protection Agency of responsibility for licensing of activities subject to integrated pollution control, necessitated a redefinition of planning authorities' responsibilities in relation to such development. This was done to avoid overlap and duplication of effort on enviornmental issues between the licensing system and development control under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts. The arrangements made ensure that the highest standards are applied in controlling potential pollution arising from relevant new and existing development. They also mean that a consistent approach to this matter is adopted throughout the State.
In general, the parallel procedures appear to be working satisfactorily. However, as the arrangements are a relatively recent innovation, I intend to keep them under review in the light of experience of their operation.