Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the current economic climate, he will consider waiving fingerpost signage fees for businesses who wish to give directions to their premises. [21450/10]

Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the €800 euro fee for fingerpost signs per annum is a reasonable charge in this current economic climate. [21451/10]

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.

Section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides for a licensing system for the placement of various structures and appliances on, under, over or along a public road, including maps for indicating directions or places. This licensing system enables a local authority to exercise control over the placing of structures on roads to prevent traffic hazards arising.

The Planning and Development Regulations, 2001 prescribe the level of fees to be charged in respect of structures and appliances licensed under Section 254 of the 2000 Act. The Regulations prescribe a fee of €630 for an advertisement structure or €50 in the case of an advertisement structure that is of a fingerpost type, not exceeding 1 metre in length, consisting of a direction sign to indicate tourist accommodation. Consideration is being given in my Department to reviewing this matter and the associated fees, in consultation with planning authorities.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if developers are obliged to facilitate the connection to the main gas line when it is immediately available to an estate; if the developer is obliged retrospectively as the property manager; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21455/10]

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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While I am not aware of any legal provisions which would compel a developer to facilitate a connection between an estate and the gas line, it would be general practice that a developer, in framing his development proposal and in his discussions with the planning authority and other key stakeholders including utility providers, would seek to make best use of the available infrastructure and services in the area.