Planning Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013

Tuesday, 5 February 2013

Ceisteanna (168)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

168. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for a planning regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5567/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Government published its response to the recommendations of the Final Report of the Mahon Tribunal on 19 July 2012 including in respect of an independent planning regulator, to which it has agreed in principle. I also discussed this specific recommendation with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht on 29 January 2013.

In that context, I am now further examining possible options for implementing the recommendation, taking into account the views expressed by the members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee and with a view to developing a comprehensive response to all of the planning recommendations in the Mahon Report for early decision by the Government.