Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 107: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied that all local authorities are operating in accordance with his previously expressed views on individual single rural housing with particular reference to meeting the needs of local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25206/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have no statutory responsibility for rural housing or for the operation of local authorities. The National Spatial Strategy (NSS) addresses many of my concerns on issues such as rural housing. The rural settlement policy framework contained in the NSS, which represents overall Government policy on rural housing, aims to sustain and renew established rural communities while strengthening the structure of villages and smaller settlements to support local economies. In this way it seeks to ensure key assets in rural areas are protected to support quality of life and that rural settlement policies are responsive to the local circumstances of different areas. My Department liaises regularly with the Department of Environment Heritage and local Government on a range of issues of mutual interest.