Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with a view to ensuring that the housing requirements of rural populations are met by way of provision in the various county development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9258/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with the various local authorities with a view to ensuring continued indigenous growth in rural communities with particular reference to planning permissions to facilitate such population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9259/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.

Planning permission is primarily a matter for local authorities under the relevant legislation and guidelines issued by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

As I have said before in the House, I believe that balanced physical planning is crucial and it is to ensure this balance that the National Spatial Strategy clearly sets out the principals on which one-off houses should be granted in the countryside. It clearly articulates the right of those, with a connection to the countryside by way of background or by way of employment, to live and be granted planning permission in rural Ireland. I and my officials have regular contacts with Ministers and officials in the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and various Local Authorities on issues concerning rural development.