James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will instruct local authorities to relax the regulations in relation to signage being used by businesses to promote their premises or businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12040/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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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. Schedule 12 of the Regulations prescribes 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.

I am also considering the introduction of an exemption from planning permission for temporary advertisements announcing any local event promoted or carried on for commercial purposes, similar to the existing exemption in place for community-related, non-commercial advertisement, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. Under section 262 of the Planning Act, the making of regulations to introduce such exemptions will require the prior resolution of both Houses of the Oireachtas.