Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 265:

In page 148, line 21, after “heritage” to insert “(including, without prejudice to the generality of section 28 of the Act of 2000, in relation to such dealings with objectives which fall within section 10(2)(c) of that Act in so far as such objectives relate to the conservation and protection of archaeological heritage)”.

Following discussions in the Seanad, I made a commitment to bring forward an amendment to provide for the issuing of guidelines to local authorities relating to county development plans. Section 167 already permits the Minister to issue guidelines to local authorities relating to their dealings with historic heritage or world heritage property, and a local authority must have regard to such guidelines in the course of the performance of its functions. Amendment No. 265 broadens section 167 by making provision for guidelines to be issued regarding development plan objectives that relate to the conservation and protection of archaeological heritage.