Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 587: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the type of development permitted on lands designated special amenity under a Special Amenity Area order; if there are circumstances where the lands can be developed as a golf course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3810/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The power of planning authorities to make a Special Amenity Area Order, subject to confirmation by An Bord Pleanála, derives from section 202 of the Planning and Development Act 2000-06. This permits a specified area to be declared an area of special amenity by reason of: its outstanding natural beauty; or its special recreational value; and having regard to any benefits for nature conservation.

Such an Order may state the planning authority's objectives in relation to the preservation or enhancement of the character or special features of the area, including objectives for the prevention or limitation of development in the area. Substantially similar provisions operated in earlier planning legislation, under which a number of Special Amenity Area Orders have been made.

A Special Amenity Area Order does not necessarily preclude development of lands included in the Order. However, planning decisions must take into consideration the objectives for the prevention or limitation of development, as set out in the Special Amenity Area Order.