Planning Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2012

Thursday, 3 May 2012

Ceisteanna (207)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

210 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to whether or not Carlow, Longford and Roscommon county councils have adopted a core strategy in accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 which includes a legal requirement that a core strategy must be prepared within one year of the adoption of the relevant Regional Planning Guidelines applicable to the county; the sanctions he proposes to take in respect of counties which are not legally compliant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22401/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan)

It is a matter for the locally elected members of planning authorities to introduce the evidence-based core strategy provisions in new development plans and variations to existing plans in line with the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010. It is also a matter for the elected members to ensure that local area plans are consistent with the development plan thereafter.

On foot of the Regional Planning Guidelines Implementation Annual Report 2011 prepared jointly by the 8 Regional Authorities in respect of their activities, including ensuring proper oversight of the alignment of plans at national, regional and local levels, my Department issued a Circular Letter to planning authorities on 3 April 2012 reminding them of their statutory obligations. Furthermore, where planning authorities had not yet adopted core strategies in their development plans, they have been requested to provide a status report setting out the reasons for the delay together with a planned timescale for completion of same. These reports will inform whether or not any further action is necessary.