Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 595: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the communication he has had from the European Commission in relation to removing the possibility to retain structures built without planning permission for which retention has been sought; what he intends to do in response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13560/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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A reasoned opinion was received from the European Commission on 5 January 2005 regarding planning enforcement procedures for unauthorised developments for which environmental impact assessments (EIA) are required. A formal response issued to the Commission on 8 March 2005. The Department has not received any further formal communication from the Commission or the European Court of Justice.

I had very useful and informal discussions with Environment Commissioner Dimas during his visit to Ireland last month on a wide range of issues, including that referred to in the question. It would not be appropriate for me to disclose the detail of these discussions, which were without prejudice to any legal proceedings that may continue between Ireland and the European Commission.