Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify the position in relation to the previously announced decision to introduce a planning approval requirement to turn residential gardens into patios and so on; if regulations have been introduced; if not, the target date for same; if a summary of requirements will be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21941/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department issued Draft Guidelines to Planning Authorities on the Planning System and Flood Risk Management in Autumn 2008 for public consultation. Among the issues addressed in these draft guidelines, which are aimed at ensuring a more consistent, rigorous and systematic approach to the full incorporation of flood risk assessment and management into the planning system, was a proposal to review the exemptions from planning permission set out in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, to provide that works involving the installation of a hard surface within the curtilage of a house will only be exempted development where they comply with sustainable drainage principles. In conjunction with the Office of Public Works, my Department is currently considering the many issues and observations raised in the submissions received on the draft Guidelines, including those relating to sustainable urban drainage and planning exemptions. I intend shortly to publish final Guidelines that will address this matter and other related issues.

Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will release documentation regarding a project application to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [21961/09]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has no record of a request for documentation relating to the project referred to. However, in the event of such a request being made, the matter will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.