Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all outstanding documentation concerning the introduction of the rural planning guidelines has been furnished to local authorities; the number of local authorities which have amended their development plan to implement the new guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4126/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In March 2004 guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable rural housing were published in draft form for public consultation to give all those interested an opportunity to comment before the guidelines are finalised. I expect to be in a position to issue the guidelines in final statutory form shortly.

On the publication of the draft guidelines planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála were urged to put the measures necessary to implement the guidelines in place immediately in respect of their development plans and in the processing of relevant planning applications. My Department does not have detailed information on the steps taken by planning authorities to amend their development plans to implement the draft guidelines. When issued in their final form, the guidelines will constitute statutory ministerial planning guidelines under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, to which planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála will be required to have regard in exercising their planning functions.