The granting or refusing of planning permission is a matter for planning authorities or An Bord Pleanála on appeal. In considering whether to grant planning permission a planning authority is required to have regard to the proper planning and development of the area including the provisions of the development plan and any directives issued by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. I have not issued any directive or criteria in relation to planning in coastal areas. Therefore, there are no criteria laid down by my Department requiring local authorities to grant planning permission in such areas. The Local Government Act, 1991, requires local authorities, in carrying out their functions, to have regard to the policies of Government Ministers but I am not aware of the policies of any Minister which would require planning authorities to grant planning permission in coastal areas. In any event under the Planning Acts, a planning authority cannot grant a planning permission which would materially contravene its development plan without invoking the statutory procedures for material contravention.
