Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

However, in view of the importance of the rural housing issue and the fact that there has already been extensive opportunity for public debate, I have urged planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to take them on board immediately, even though they are still in draft form. The guidelines will be put into effect both in development plans and in the processing of planning applications. They have the capacity to and will deliver a new era of fairness and transparency in planning for rural dwellers.