Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will identify strategic development zones suitable for industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42544/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under Part IX of the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Government may by Order, on foot of a proposal from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, designate a site or sites as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) to facilitate development considered, in the Government's opinion, to be of economic or social importance to the State. Before proposing the designation of a site or sites to the Government, the Minister must consult with any relevant development agency or planning authority on the proposed designation.

To date, four SDZs have been designated by Government: Adamstown in South Dublin (2001); Clonmagedden in Meath (2001); Hansfield in Fingal (2001); and Balgaddy-Clonburris in South Dublin (2006). A proposal for a further SDZ has very recently been received from a planning authority for residential, recreational and amenity development, and is being examined by my Department.

No proposal for an SDZ for industrial purposes is under consideration at present.