Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 571: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which the various local authorities are operating the statutory guidelines announced by him in regard to rural housing; if he is satisfied that his statutory instructions are being followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7735/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities were published in April 2005. They endeavour to strike a balance between a good planning framework for rural housing and making it easier for those who are part of, or have links to, local rural communities to build a house. This, of course, is subject to proposals meeting normal standards in relation to matters such as proper disposal of waste water and road safety.

In a circular letter issued in May 2005, planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála were asked to put in place the required procedures and practices to implement the policies set out in Guidelines as quickly and effectively as possible. Significantly, all planning authorities were requested to take immediate steps to review their development plans to incorporate any necessary changes to ensure that development plan policies are consistent with the policies set out in the Guidelines. This has been done, with some authorities varying their plans and others incorporating the Guidelines into the reviews of development plans.

My Department held two seminars 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. While respecting the need to consider each planning application individually and on its own merits, planning officials were advised of the need to ensure that the provisions of the Guidelines are applied consistently and uniformly.

My Department also held discussions on the Guidelines with the Planning sub-Committee of the County and City Managers Association. These discussions focussed on the need to give due regard to the Guidelines in the consideration of planning applications and reflecting the Guidelines in their development plan policies and other cross-cutting functions.

The Guidelines are a material consideration both in relation to development plans and in the consideration of planning applications. The detailed application of the guidelines to particular planning cases is, however, a matter for the planning authority concerned or An Bord Pleanála, as appropriate.