Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 578: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on reviewing planning legislation generally with the object of creating a more cohesive schools provision strategy where there is significant housing development in particular areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23751/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, a development plan must set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published on 8 June 2007, provide that the development objectives that must be included in the plan include objectives for the provision, or facilitation of the provision of services for the community including, in particular, schools, crèches and other education and childcare facilities.

My Department's recent work with the Department of Education and Science ensures that the new Guidelines take more significant and inclusive account of school planning, addressing the inter-relationship between land use and schools, and sets the context for forward planning and engagement by local authorities with the Department of Education and Science. In this regard, the guidelines create a clear linkage between the objective for the provision of schools with the current guidelines used by the Department of Education and Science in relation to school accommodation. Planning authorities are advised to secure the maximum degree of co-ordination with the Department of Education and Science in relation to school provision before land is zoned or re-zoned for substantial residential development.

Section 8 of the Planning and Development Amendment Act, 2002 provides that a local area plan must be consistent with the objectives of the development plan and may include (a) objectives for the zoning of land for the use solely or primarily of particular areas for particular purposes, and (b) such other objectives, in such detail as may be determined by the planning authority, for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area to which the local are plan applies, including detail on community facilities and amenities. Furthermore, in the case where a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) has been designated by Government in accordance with Section 166 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, the planning authority is required to prepare a planning scheme which, inter alia, provides for an integrated approach to the provision of essential community infrastructure, such as schools and child care facilities. This approach has been applied to good effect in relation to the Adamstown SDZ in South Dublin.

My Department is also facilitating work underway between the Department of Education and Science and the County and City Managers Association, in finalising a new protocol to ensure the timely acquisition of sites in newly developing and fast growth areas. Implementation of such a protocol is vital as it offers a practical mechanism that will integrate development planning and schools planning.

My Department is continuing to explore appropriate options under the planning policy and legislative framework, in consultation with the Department of Education and Science and planning authorities, to ensure that the planning process facilitates the strategic provision of school facilities.