Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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400. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the review of the Meath County Development is being conducted to a large degree online due to Covid-19 restrictions; if he is satisfied that this is a legitimate and appropriate approach, particularly as it relates to the casting of votes by elected members; if he has received or issued advice in relation to the matter; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38752/20]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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My Department is aware of the matter raised, having received correspondence from the Chief Executive of Meath County Council on behalf of the elected members of the Council, further to meetings of the County Council, that included consideration of meeting procedure in respect of the County Development plan preparation process.

The Department’s Planning Division has engaged with Meath County Council in this regard and a comprehensive response addressing the various issues raised was issued by a senior official to the Chief Executive of Meath County Council on 09 November 2020, a copy of which will be circulated with the official record.

I am satisfied that the current legislative framework makes provision for the intended approach by Meath County Council, taking account of the public health advice.