Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 956: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislation under which public private partnerships are established; if it is appropriate for a local authority to agree a contract with a private company without seeking tenders; if it is appropriate for the contractual arrangement to be submitted for planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10120/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The State Authorities (Public Private Partnership Arrangements) Act 2002, makes provision in relation to the functions and powers of certain state authorities to enter into Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements. All state authorities engaging in PPPs must comply with guidance issued by the Department of Finance and available on its website — www.ppp.gov.ie.

As regards the requirements relating to tendering, all public bodies, including local authorities, are subject to public procurement policy and guidelines as determined by the Minister for Finance in accordance with national and EU procurement guidelines.

All development, unless specifically exempted under planning legislation, requires planning permission. Decisions to grant or refuse planning permission are a matter for the relevant planning authority.