Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions he has had with county managers or their representatives with respect to the rural planning guidelines on one-off housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30307/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable rural housing came into effect on 13 April 2005. They provide that reasonable proposals on suitable sites in rural areas for persons who are part of, contribute to, or have links with the rural community must be accommodated. The guidelines thus affirm a presumption in favour of quality one-off housing for rural communities, provided proposals meet normal standards in relation to matters such as the proper waste water disposal and road safety.

My Department held two seminars in June for local authority planning officials on the implementation of the guidelines. The seminars dealt with the overall objectives of the guidelines and provided practical advice on the implementation of their core provisions, including preparation of development plan policies, providing better support and advice to applicants and more efficient and comprehensive consideration of planning applications.

In September 2005, my Department also held discussions on the guidelines with the planning committee of the County and City Managers' Association. These discussions were around the need to embed regard for the guidelines, as required by section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, in their performance by local authorities of their relevant functions i.e. in making or reviewing their development plans, in providing planning services to applicants or potential applicants and in deciding on planning applications. County managers have also been asked for a report on the measures taken to date to implement the guidelines and on their impact. I intend to continue this close monitoring of the new guidelines on rural housing.