Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To respond to Deputy Canney, we want to address the inconsistencies, apart from the underlying principle that we want people to continue to be able to live in rural areas. The guidelines will be key to this. In the planning legislation we are bringing forward we are looking at ministerial statements. There is an inconsistency in the way local authorities interpret. We want to make stronger the directions from Government on planning.

As regards timing, we are finalising the rural planning guidelines. It is very important we get the legal context correct. The legal review is under way. Once it is concluded, we will go to public consultation. We are looking to do this very much in a way that ensures we cover all legal aspects of it.

See this speech in context