Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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89. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the way that possible burial sites and sites of historic significance will be protected in county development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33465/21]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I refer to my previous response Question No. 45 of 5 May 2021, which sets out the statutory position in relation to the matter raised.

Subsequent to that, on 8 June 2021, I received correspondence from my colleague the Minister for Children and Equality drawing my attention to particular actions as set out in the Commission of Investigation’s report. Implementation of the actions identified is a matter for the relevant local authorities. 

With specific reference to county and city development plans, the preparation of these plans is a core  function of each planning authority and must be undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000.  I am satisfied that there are provisions in the Planning and Development Act which enable local authorities in their role as planning authorities, to take a precautionary approach where there is any evidence of burial sites and to properly safeguard any such sites from potentially harmful development and am currently considering how best to give effect to this.