Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that Bord na Móna is currently in the process of applying to obtain the necessary planning consents in terms of its peat extraction activities and that the process is ongoing. In this regard, I understand that Bord na Móna has recently been granted leave by An Bord Pleanála to apply for substitute consent in respect of its peat extraction operations and has subsequently submitted applications to An Bord Pleanála for substitute consent to regularise the planning status of its historic peat extraction.

I note that where substitute consent is granted for such development, this consent only regularises past work that has been carried out. Separate planning permissions for future development, as well as an integrated pollution control (IPC) licences from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), would be required, in addition to the substitute consents. The IPC licencing process is separate from the planning system and is administered by the EPA, which is under the aegis of the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

Section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 specifically precludes the Minister of Housing, Planning and Local Government from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular planning case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála, is or may be concerned. Therefore, I am not in a position to comment further on the substitute consent applications or future planning applications by Bord Na Móna.