Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

648. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the impact of archaeological and heritage policy on the ambitions of the community that is deemed to be in the buffer zone of a significant heritage site (details supplied) in County Meath, if local families share custody of that heritage and archaeological legacy with the wider nation, if that policy should take account of the views of local communities and natural justice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43509/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A new Management Plan for the site referred to by the Deputy is currently being finalised by my Department. This follows a public consultation process on the draft Plan. All submissions received will be taken into account before the Plan is advanced to a stage where it is ready for submission to the relevant authorities for approval. The new Management Plan will acknowledge the rights of local people and communities, who have actively participated in the successful conservation, preservation and promotion of the site with regard to sustainable socio-economic growth and development. It will also acknowledge the need for the Plan itself to assist communities to sustain and develop social cohesion and the local economy.

Actions envisaged for the new Plan in that context include:

- establishing a Community Forum to discuss issues relating to the site in general and to make observations on the implementation of the Plan;

- working with the local authorities to develop a guidance document which provides advice on siting and design in relation to residential and agricultural development within the area of the site;

- working with the local authorities to facilitate consultation with applicants regarding the siting and design of developments affecting the site and the scope of any necessary impact assessments;

- working with the local authorities and other relevant agencies to promote and encourage sustainable economic development in the area, particularly in tourism and agriculture.

In this way, the Plan will seek to meet, in a mutually supportive way, the provisions laid down by the relevant authorities for securing the management aims for sites of this nature, while, at the same time, ensuring that local communities and residents have an active and participative role.

I should emphasise that the main instrument for regulating and controlling physical planning within a county is the development plan which, under the Planning and Development Acts, must be renewed every 6 years, following approval by the elected members. The legislation provides for extensive consultation with the general public, who are offered the opportunity to make submissions or observations on draft development plans which must be considered by the planning authority. As set out above, the Management Plan will itself seek to create effective mechanisms to assist and facilitate local residents in their interactions with the planning system.