Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Local authorities have a role in planning for tourism and recreational uses within the context of their role as planning authorities as set out in the Planning and Development Act. They also have a role in the development of tourism and recreational facilities as part of their economic development function. In this regard section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001, provides that a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions.

Within the planning system the development plan is the principal planning strategy document of the local authority and sets out the relevant local planning policies and development objectives related to the provision of amenities, the protection of the landscape and an overall spatial pattern of development in the city or county area. The ‘Development Plans Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ issued by my Department in June 2022 set policy and guidance to assist local authorities in ensuring that their city or county development plan is consistent with the strategic national and regional planning policy, and thereby establish a ‘plan-led’ context for decision-making by planning authorities. Appendix B of the Guidelines recommends that specific objectives related to Tourism are included in the development plan, where relevant, so as to provide for uses such as hotels, marinas or other types of uses which are directed mainly at servicing tourists/holiday makers.

Responsibility for policy matters related to tourism lies with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.