Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 127: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he intends to issue guidelines for or direction to local authorities to deal with illegal quarries. [22503/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department does not have information on the number of unauthorised quarries or on actions taken by planning authorities under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

In April 2004 my Department issued Guidelines on Quarrying and Ancillary Activities under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which requires both planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to have regard to them in the performance of their functions. The publication of these Guidelines took place at the same time as the commencement of Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which introduced a once-off system of registration for all quarries, except those for which planning permission was granted in the last 5 years. The enactment of section 261 will enable planning authorities to better regulate the operation of quarries in their area both by providing them with comprehensive information on such quarries and increasing their powers of control over quarrying operations.

I would also add that, aside from the registration system introduced by section 261, quarries are, of course, subject to the normal provisions regarding planning permission. As is stated in the Guidelines referred to above, a planning authority which becomes aware of an operating quarry which is an unauthorised development, through the registration process or otherwise, must consider taking enforcement action in accordance with Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act 2000.