Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 502: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on recent objections to quarrying of the Hill of Allen in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22306/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My attention has been drawn to the quarry development referred to in the question. However, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 I, as Minister, may only intervene in the planning process in respect of heritage matters, i.e., I may comment on planning applications or appeals, or give expert advice to planning authorities or an Bord Pleanála, in relation to the protection of the built and natural heritage only.

In all other circumstances, I am precluded, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, from exercising any power or control in relation to any individual planning application or appeal with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.

Given this general principle, and given that the case in question is currently with the relevant planning authority, it would not be appropriate for me to comment in this instance.