Written answers

Thursday, 9 September 2021

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Planning Issues

Photo of Pa DalyPa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

352. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans for planning reform within Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42371/21]

Photo of Peter BurkePeter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The ongoing implementation of the language planning process has a statutory footing under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, which is the primary driver in support of the commitment to the achievement of the objectives set out in the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 to 2030.

The National Planning Framework (NPF) reflects this commitment and includes Objective 29 which “supports the implementation of language plans in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks”.

Separately, the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, sets out mandatory objectives for local authorities, which must be addressed in the drafting of their County Development Plan governing local development policies. Section 10(2) of the Planning and Development Act includes a requirement that, where there is a Gaeltacht area within the planning authority’s territory, the development plan must include provisions and objectives for “the protection of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht including the promotion of Irish as the community language”.

To provide further guidance in preparing appropriate policies, my Department published ‘Development Plans, Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ in 2007 which address this mandatory objective of the Planning and Development Act. These guidelines refer to linguistic and cultural heritage and the needs of the community in land-use terms for housing, community facilities, employment, tourism and design, including advertising and signage.  Individual development plans may also oblige applicants for planning permission to submit certain particulars or information to accompany development proposals in Gaeltacht areas, such as assessments of the linguistic impact of the proposed development, in order for it to be assessed against relevant policies of the development plan.

My Department recently published a revised and updated Draft Development Plan Guidelines which re-confirm the obligations of planning authorities to the development of the Gaeltacht.

Since April 2019, the assessment of all local authority development plans and local area plans is undertaken by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). The oversight role of the OPR includes ensuring consistency with relevant national or regional policies, including those set out in the NPF and addressing all relevant mandatory objectives for County Development Plans set out in the Planning and Development Act, including the provision of Gaeltacht-specific objectives, where required.

In relation to planning applications for development, a planning authority must notify the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media and Údarás na Gaeltachta, to invite their views in relation to planning applications for developments which, in the opinion of the authority “might materially affect the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht, including the promotion of Irish as the community language” in accordance with Article 28 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). The decision to grant or refuse planning permission in such cases, and to assign conditions, including conditions relating to language where appropriate, to a grant of planning permission, is ultimately a matter for the relevant planning authority or An Bord Pleanála, as appropriate. 

I am of the view that considering the unique spatial and linguistic circumstances relating to each of our Gaeltacht areas, with local variation between communities and the contexts in which the Irish Language is spoken, that the relevant planning authorities are best placed to implement the planning framework of legislation, policy and guidance as set out above. I am also satisfied that there are appropriate planning oversight mechanisms and safeguards in place, which include the Office of the Planning Regulator and An Bord Pleanála. 

A number of Irish language groups, including Conradh na Gaeilge, raised matters with a view to improving the practical implementation of the Irish language provisions in Gaeltacht areas.  On foot of the proposals put forward by Conradh na Gaeilge, my Department convened a working group during the summer to examine various aspects of the planning process in all Gaeltacht areas.  Membership of this group is made up of representatives from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Údarás na Gaeltachta and relevant local authorities.  My Department is committed to working with the relevant stakeholders in the coming months with a view to agreeing practical improvements and best practice processes that will support and enhance the important policy and legislative provisions that are in place.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.