Mr. Tim Lucey:

I concur with the Cathaoirleach’s comments on encouraging the public to engage with development plan reviews. We are probably three quarters of the way through our draft development plan and we have had 1,400 submissions to it. The development plan period is about 99 weeks and we have had 64 direct meetings with our councillors during that time. That would reflect what every local authority does but there is a significant benefit to having public submissions come in because the plans shape matters for a period of six to eight years.

On Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, the sooner there is a resolution to the wastewater and water service facilities there, the better from our point of view and from the point of view of those who wish to live in an Ghaeltacht. It is not something that I or the county council have control of; it is a matter that would need to be put to Irish Water in terms of its capital investment programme. I cannot answer for that directly. That is not avoiding the question but I have no legal authority to deliver water services; investment decisions are made elsewhere.

On planning policy and rural housing guidelines, we understand that the publication of new rural housing guidelines is imminent. Maybe members of the committee will have more information on whether the specific issues we are raising here, including an Ghaeltacht and more supportive and definitive rural policy guidelines that support Gaeltacht areas, would be incorporated into that. I am uncertain on that and I do not expect that there will be. Let us wait and see what emerges.

We are aware of the Ráth Chairn issue and our recommendations underpin that matter. Michael Walsh said mentioned holiday homes and our Gaeltachtaí are in rural areas that are either under strong urban influence or that could be classified as going through a period of rural diversification in tourism. Even in those areas we would not grant planning permission for one-off houses or holiday homes. Our policies do not provide for that.