John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedures he has in place to monitor the implementation of the guidelines issued on once off rural housing; if each planning section of every local authority has been asked to report to the Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21397/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable rural housing came into effect on 13 April 2005. Their purpose is to support the accommodation of rural housing needs while ensuring that housing development in rural areas is sustainable in economic, social and environmental terms. The guidelines provide that reasonable proposals on suitable sites for persons who are part of and contribute to the rural community should be accommodated. This is subject to the need for proper consideration of matters such as adequate waste water disposal and road safety. The guidelines also state that the housing needs of emigrants who now wish to return to their home places on retirement or for other reasons should be facilitated. Another provision indicates that planning authorities should grant permission in cases where exceptional health circumstances, as certified by a doctor and the relevant disability organisation, may require a person to live in a particular environment or close to family support.

The guidelines stress the need for a balanced and informed approach by planning authorities in assessing the design aspects of proposals and not to be overly prescriptive. The guidelines also place a stronger emphasis on a better and more courteous service from planning authorities and improved co-operation between planning authorities and applicants, particularly at the pre-planning phase of applications. I consider that the application of the new guidelines will serve to enhance the sustainability of rural housing development.

I intend that my Department will monitor the effectiveness of the guidelines in co-operation with planning authorities. My Department held seminars this week for local authority planners on the practical implementation of the guidelines. The seminars provided practical advice on the implementation of the core provisions of the guidelines, including preparation of development plan policies, providing better support and advice to applicants and more efficient and comprehensive consideration of planning applications. My Department will continue to work closely with planning authorities to ensure the guidelines are applied.