Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether local authorities have failed to implement the correct planning guidelines; his further views on whether planning permission for people sustaining rural areas should be introduced on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31080/06]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will recommend that Mayo County Council should take example from Galway County Council and adopt the relaxation of stringent planning rules to those in Clár areas; his views on whether this is necessary in the future of these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31109/06]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 321: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will revise the situation in County Mayo where the planning guidelines are failing as certain aspects are being enforced and others ignored by the planners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31115/06]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 330: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the planning guidelines in County Mayo should be amended in line with new agreed guidelines in County Galway; his further views on whether increased flexibility in relation to planning is necessary in Clár areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31125/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 174, 314, 321 and 330 together.

The Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing, came into effect in April 2005. These Guidelines have a statutory basis as they were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which requires planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála to have regard to the Guidelines in the performance of their planning functions.

These Guidelines 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 should 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. The Guidelines also classify rural areas for housing purposes, and specifically address those areas, such as Clár, suffering from de-population. Following the publication of the Guidelines, planning authorities were asked to review their development plans with a view to incorporating any changes necessary to ensure that development plan policies are consistent with the policies set out in the Guidelines.

My Department held two seminars last year 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.

My Department also held discussions on implementation of 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 the 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. My Department will continue to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the Guidelines.

Finally, I understand that the new agreed guidelines in Galway referred to in the Question is a design guidance booklet which outlines design types and standards which are acceptable in the context of rural housing. Other planning authorities offer similar guidance.