Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has had discussions with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with a view to achieving consensus in respect of once off rural housing to meet the needs of the indigenous population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14708/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The aim of the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities, which were published in April 2005, is to achieve a balance between the accommodation of rural housing needs and the need for development to be sustainable in economic, social and environmental terms. The guidelines provide that reasonable proposals on suitable sites for persons who are part of and contribute to the rural community should be accommodated. This, of course, is subject to the need for proper consideration of matters such as adequate wastewater disposal, road safety and design standards. I have had no specific discussions with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on the matter.