Mr. P. Burke:

That is correct. What is meant by the phrase "attachment to a rural area"? Does it mean attachment to a parish, village or county? May a person apply for planning permission in any part of his or her county or must he or she be from the village or parish in question? Some parishes have half parishes which cover large geographical areas. Can a person from a half parish apply for planning permission anywhere in the parish? Clarification is required on these matters.

Mr. P. Burke:

As Senator O'Rourke noted, planning officials have refused planning permission because the applicant's attachment to the area is not deemed sufficiently strong. The Minister referred to those who farm or teach in a rural area but did not specify whether such a person may apply for planning permission only within his or her parish, village, local authority area or county. He must be specific.

Mr. P. Burke:

The local contributions required towards small sewerage schemes are excessive. Some areas, for example Achill Island, have few industries, shops, pubs or other commercial premises. This means the commercial rate base is not sufficient to enable a county manager to raise the local contribution required for a small sewerage scheme. The Department must reconsider its insistence that local communities must raise 40% of the costs of a sewerage scheme.