Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004
258 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has satisfied himself that his expressed concerns in respect of once off rural housing to meet the needs of the indigenous population have been adequately addressed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23088/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have indicated previously, my Department is committed to maintaining the maximum number of people in rural areas and to strengthening rural communities economically, socially and culturally.
The national spatial strategy addresses many of my concerns in relation to such issues as rural housing. The rural settlement policy framework contained in the NSS, which represents overall Government policy on rural housing, aims to sustain and renew established rural communities, while strengthening the structure of villages and smaller settlements to support local economies. In this way it seeks ensure the key assets in rural areas are protected to support quality of life and that rural settlement policies are responsive to the differing local circumstances in different areas.
My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, agrees that it is vitally important that there is certainty and consistency in the implementation by planning authorities of Government policy in relation to rural housing through their own development plans and in the operation of the development control system under planning legislation.
As the Deputy is aware, on 4 March last, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, published the consultation draft of guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable rural housing. These draft guidelines are vitally important in order that there is clarity and consistency in the implementation by planning authorities of Government policy in relation to rural housing. They provide a more detailed framework for planners, based on what the national spatial strategy has to say on rural housing policy. The guidelines reflect what I have been saying for the past number of years.
As I said in my statement at the time welcoming the publication of the draft guidelines, what is needed is rural housing within the confines of good planning practice.
I understand that the consultation process has been concluded and that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government expects to publish the definitive guidelines later in the year.
