Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 373: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce planning regulations to govern the location of adult shops and other similar activities. [24191/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The issues of adult entertainment and the regulation of associated venues require consideration because of the recent growth of this sector. Given the relevance of a number of different statutory codes to this matter, it is not clear that planning regulation alone can adequately support a local control regime with regard to these activities, and the interaction of these various codes needs to be examined to ensure we take the best possible approach.

To that end, early this year my Department established a task force to examine the regulatory context around the siting and location of adult entertainment venues. The task force met in July and its next meeting is due to take place before the end of October 2007. When the task force completes its work before the end of the year, we will have a clearer picture of the issues involved, their interaction and the possible way forward. It is my intention to bring forward proposals early in the new year.

In advance of any new proposals, local authorities should use the powers currently available to them under the planning code, such as the development plan process, to ensure that new late night entertainment venues are not inappropriately located, for example in quiet residential areas.