Written answers

Wednesday, 21 February 2007

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Sustainable Development Strategy

11:00 pm

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 302: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will investigate complaints of shortcomings in meaningful public consultation and lack of citizens' involvement in the decision making procedures in the planning processes, particularly in matters of the rights of land owners or developers versus the rights of citizens resulting in confrontation between the agendas of developers and community concerns regarding heritage and sustainability, most recently typified by the conflict between proposals for high density apartments and the Tallaght community campaigns for a heritage centre in Tallaght village, located in the South Dublin County Council area; his views on amending the Planning Acts to strengthen the rights of communities in such consultation and decision making processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6916/07]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Planning Acts already provide for extensive consultation in relation to development at all stages of the planning process.

Extensive public participation is required in the making of development plans and local area plans. Before being adopted, a draft development plan must go on public display for at least 10 weeks and anyone may make submissions on it. The local authority must consider these submissions before the plan is adopted. In addition, any variation of the development plan must go through a further public consultation process.

When a planning application is made, it is also open to any person, on payment of the prescribed fee, to make a submission to the planning authority. The authority must, under section 34(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, have regard to any observations or submissions received concerning the proposed development in accordance with the relevant regulations. Furthermore, any person who makes a submission to the planning authority may appeal the decision of the planning authority to the Board. Furthermore, An Bord Pleanála in some instances holds oral hearings in relation to cases being considered by it, further adding to the opportunities to participate in the decision-making process.

Regarding the reference to development proposals for Tallaght, the Tallaght Town Centre Local Area Plan was adopted by South Dublin County Council on 17 July 2006. I understand from the Council that there was extensive public consultation and that all relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 were fully complied with.

I consider that the provisions for public participation set out in the planning acts are sufficiently robust to balance first-party and third-party rights and interests. Accordingly, I do not propose to amend the provisions concerned at this time.

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