John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 589: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will change planning laws in order that stand alone buildings cannot be demolished without proper planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30049/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, and regulations made under it, the demolition of a building is an exempt development unless it is a habitable house, a building which forms part of a terrace of buildings, or a building which abuts on another building in separate ownership, or under section 57, a protected structure or proposed protected structure. The latter section also provides that a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála shall not grant permission for the demolition of a protected structure or a proposed protected structure save in exceptional circumstances. I am satisfied that these provisions give adequate protection for buildings that should not be demolished without consent and do not propose to amend the legislation.