Planning Issues

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

Questions (691)

Ken O'Flynn

Question:

691. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that a plot of land adjacent to and including a part of a rare alluvial woodland in Rathcoole, County Dublin is being considered for a new housing development; his views that this important woodland ecosystem would be better left undisturbed for the sake of recreational use by local residents and to protect the flora and fauna living there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30136/26]

View answer

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is a statutory consultee in the planning and development system. Competent authorities responsible for assessing planning applications may request the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of this Department to provide a submission on such proposals in relation to impacts on nature conservation. When such cases are referred, staff within the NPWS may provide relevant observations to the competent authority.

Further information can be found at www.npws.ie/development-consultations#The%20role%20of%20the%20Minister%20in%20relation%20to%20development%20applications