8 March 2006

Environment

EU and Retrospective Planning Permissions

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the discussions which are taking place between his Department and the European Commission on the level of retrospective planning permission and EC Directive 85/337/EEC. 

Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche): A reasoned opinion was received from the European Commission on 5 January 2005 regarding planning enforcement procedures in relation to unauthorised developments for which Environmental Impact Assessments, EIA, are required. A formal response issued to the Commission on 8 March 2005. My Department has not received any further formal communication from the Commission or from the European Court of Justice.

Environment Commissioner Dimas visited Ireland last week and I had very useful and informal discussions with him on a wide range of issues; including that referred to in the question. It would not be appropriate for me to disclose the detail of these discussions, which were without prejudice to any legal proceedings which may continue between Ireland the European Commission.