Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 Nov 2002

Vol. 558 No. 3

Written Answers. - Natural Heritage Areas.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

41 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is intended to implement the recommendations made in the recently published recommendations of the Heritage Council on protection of the landscape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23860/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

These recommendations from the Heritage Council, published in May 2002, cover a wide range of issues, some of which have been implemented. Others are still under examination by my Department.

The Planning and Development Act, 2000, grants additional powers to planning authorities to preserve valuable landscapes through the development plan. Objectives to preserve landscape character must be included in the development plan, where the planning authority believes it is necessary for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The 2000 Act also enables planning authorities to designate special landscapes as landscape conservation areas. Additional restrictions on types of development that are normally exempt will apply in these areas.

In June 2000, my Department issued draft public consultation guidelines for planning authorities on landscape and landscape assessment. The responses received during the consultation process are being considered by my Department and it is intended that final guidelines will be issued in the near future. Ireland signed and ratified the Council of Europe's European Landscape Convention on 22 March 2002. The general purpose of the convention is to encourage public authorities to adopt policies and measures at local, regional, national and international level for protecting, managing and planning landscapes throughout Europe.