Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 520: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether private meetings between An Bord Pleanála and private concerns such as Shell puts the independence of the planning process in jeopardy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36752/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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An Bord Pleanála has had a practice of meeting bodies with an interest in the planning process, to keep itself informed and to receive feedback on its performance. I consider that it is entirely appropriate for the board to meet with stakeholders in this way to discuss mutual issues of concern in relation to planning.

The chairman of the board has indicated that a meeting was held with representatives of the Irish Offshore Operators Association in September 2003 to discuss general matters in relation to planning. The minutes of that meeting clearly show that the board refused to discuss any individual case.

I intend that the forthcoming strategic infrastructure Bill will provide for pre-planning consultations between the board and those proposing strategic infrastructure projects. This will allow the board to take on a more proactive role in the early stages of planning such projects to ensure that key planning issues are addressed early on and that appropriate mitigation measures are proposed. This will assist the board to deliver decisions on strategic infrastructure projects as quickly as possible, while taking full account of proper planning and sustainable development.