Written answers

Tuesday, 27 January 2009

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Departmental Reports

9:00 pm

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 1106: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the expert group on adult entertainment will report to Dáil Éireann as it was announced in 2008 that the report was imminent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1983/09]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In 2007, my Department established a task force to examine the planning land use implications of the siting and location of adult entertainment venues. The task force was chaired by my Department and comprised representatives from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochana and Dublin City Council.

The task force met on a number of occasions, and its work was informed by detailed consideration of a range of issues based on agreed terms of reference. Given the relevance of a number of different statutory codes to this matter, it was not clear whether planning regulation alone could adequately support an appropriate and effective local control regime, and the interaction of these various codes needed to be carefully examined to ensure that the best possible approach is taken.

The task force has now finalised its work. Its Report outlining appropriate measures to progress the issues raised will be submitted to Government shortly. In advance of any new proposals, it is open to local authorities to 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.

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