Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [24309/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department's 2005 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing state that, in rural areas under strong urban pressure, planning applications for a single rural dwelling from persons who demonstrate 'local need' in terms of strong links to the local community should be accommodated, subject to the normal planning criteria of siting, waste water disposal etc. The Guidelines give examples of such links, e.g. farmers, their sons and daughters or persons involved in full-time farming or forestry. It is a matter for each planning authority to adopt the local need criteria which will apply to its area as part of its development plan. The interpretation of policy and its application in individual cases is a matter for each planning authority and, upon appeal, for An Bord Pleanála.

I understand from North Tipperary County Council that, while the person in question has had pre-planning consultations with the Council, he has not proceeded with making a planning application. He has been informed that should he make a planning application and receive a decision which he is dissatisfied with, he would have the option to appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála, who have the statutory remit independently to adjudicate on planning decisions.

Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.