Vol. 502 No. 6
248 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether it is an environmentally sustainable practice to install overhead power lines and pylons in areas of scenic importance; if he will issue guidelines to the effect that all these power lines be placed underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9043/99]
The decision on whether or not to grant planning permission for overhead power lines and systems, which are not exempted development, is a matter for the relevant planning authority or An Bord Pleanála in the event of an appeal. In making such a decision the authority or the board is restricted to considering the proper planning and development of the area, including the preservation and improvement of amenities, and regard must be had to the provisions of the development plan. Planning decisions frequently involve the balancing of different factors and the law places responsibility for this on the planning authority and An Bord Pleanála. I do not intend issuing planning guidelines requiring that power lines be placed underground. My Department is, however, preparing draft planning guidelines on high amenity landscapes to assist planning authorities in carrying out their planning functions, including assessing applications for overhead power lines and pylons.
