Legislative Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023

Thursday, 27 April 2023

Ceisteanna (287)

Steven Matthews

Ceist:

287. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is intended to replicate in the Draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 the provision of the current Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2021 which in s.10(2) requires that the plan include objectives for the preservation of public rights of way which give access to seashore, mountain, lakeshore, riverbank or other place of natural beauty or recreational utility, given that s.51(2) of the draft Bill published by his Department includes these in a list of objectives which are optional but not mandatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19937/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

It is intended that there will be no substantive changes to provisions in the draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 (the Bill) pertaining to public rights of way compared to the provisions in the current Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) (the Act of 2000).

Section 51(2)(g) of the draft Bill restates section 10(2)(o) of the Act of 2000 without substantive modification. My Department continues to work closely with the Office of the Attorney General to prepare the final Bill for publication and the nature of this objective will be further considered in this context.

The draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 was published in January and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has undertaken a significant pre-legislative scrutiny process on it, over the past two months. I expect to receive their report shortly and will fully consider its recommendations, along with submissions on the Bill received from stakeholders, when preparing the final Bill. The final Bill, when published, will be accompanied by an Explanatory Memorandum provide information on the provisions in the Bill and will highlight the rationale for any substantial changes made to the current Act. The Bill will then proceed before the Houses of the Oireachtas, subject to the Oireachtas schedule.