Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the nature, scope and timeframe of the review of alleged planning irregularities in Donegal County Council and the six other county councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36704/11]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the results will be published in the cases of both the internal review and any report by independent persons into alleged planning irregularities in county councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36707/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.

The planning review announced by the former Minister, Mr. John Gormley, was intended to assess the application of planning legislation, policy and guidance within the development plan and development management systems at local level and to inform further policy development in these areas. A number of planning authorities, representing a broad geographical spread of both urban and rural areas as well as both large and small authorities, had been selected to assist in the review of policies and practices by reference to a number of cases raised with my Department.

The Programme for Government includes, inter alia , specific commitments better to co-ordinate national, regional and local planning laws in order to achieve better and more co-ordinated development that supports local communities, to develop a coherent plan to deal with the issue of unfinished estates and to ensure that there is adequate access and participation by citizens and public representatives in decision making and policy formation. The resources of my Department will be directed primarily towards supporting the implementation of the Government's commitments in these areas.

My Department is currently finalising the review of a number of specific complaints, following the initiating of the process by the former Minister Mr. John Gormley. When this review is completed, I will issue a public statement outlining the complaints at issue, my response and any appropriate actions to be pursued in regard to further policy development and guidance, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.