Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1033: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to set up a national monitoring committee to oversee the consistent implementation of the sustainable rural housing guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47850/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 873 of 10 July 2008.

The statutory Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities were published in 2005. The Guidelines aim to achieve a balance between a good planning framework for rural housing and the local housing needs of those who are part of, or have links to, local rural communities. While respecting the need to consider each planning application individually and on its own merits, planning officials were asked to ensure that the provisions of the Guidelines are applied consistently and uniformly.

The Guidelines are a material consideration both in relation to development plans and in the consideration of planning applications. I have used my powers under Section 31 of the Act on two occasions, directing the planning authorities to amend their development plans where the Guidelines have not been implemented or adhered to in their making. The detailed application of the Guidelines to particular planning cases is a matter for the planning authority concerned or An Bord Pleanála, on appeal. My Department will continue to monitor implementation of sustainable rural planning policies to ensure appropriate consistency in their application across all counties.