Vol. 501 No. 4
112 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it has been drawn to his attention that there is a need for consultation with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands to streamline the planning process in respect of archaeological excavation on sites, particularly the cost and timescale associated with this requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6380/99]
Officials from my Department and from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands have participated in a working group which examined the issue of archaeology as part of the planning process. It is my intention to prepare guidelines, based on the working groups report, which will assist local authorities in addressing the issues surrounding archaeology in the planning control process. They will include guidance on planning conditions which are imposed for the protection of the archaeological heritage, including when it is necessary and appropriate to impose conditions requiring the preservation of archaeological remains in situ, or, in the alternative, requiring archaeological monitoring or excavations. The guidelines will also assist developers to evaluate possible archaeological requirements when preparing development proposals.
