Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Planning and Development Regulations.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

1580 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government when Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, will be enacted in view of the number of communities affected by the operation of quarries and the limited powers for regulatory control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17026/02]

Many quarries currently in operation pre-date the 1963 Planning Act and have not, therefore, been subject to planning control. Under Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, quarries over five years old, whether subject to planning permission or otherwise, are required to be registered with the planning authority. Planning authorities will then be entitled to impose conditions on the operation of registered quarries.

Quarries which have not previously obtained planning permission may also be required to undergo environmental impact assessment and to apply for planning permission where their area is greater than five hectares or where they are situated in designated sites such as SACs, SPAs and NHAs where their continued operation would be likely to have a significant effect on the environment.
My Department is currently preparing detailed guidance for the assistance of planning authorities on the implementation of Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. It is intended to commence this section of the Act following the publication of the guidance.
Question No. 1581 answered with Question No. 1441.
Barr
Roinn