Local Area Plans

Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Questions (105)

Réada Cronin

Question:

105. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has been made aware of the concurrent Strategic Policy Committee membership and planning-applicant status (details supplied), during the preparation and adoption of the Naas Local Area Plan 2021–2027; whether the Department has sought any records from Kildare County Council in respect of Section 177 of the Local Government Act 2001 compliance during that period; his plans including any review under Section 31 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, in respect of the Plan and its dependent planning applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69355/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Department does not hold or seek details of membership of local authority Strategic Policy Committees; this is a matter for the individual local authority.

The ethical framework that applies to members of committees of a local authority is provided for under Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 and the Code of Conduct published under that Act. The Code of Conduct gives guidance in relation to the standards of conduct required of member of a committee of a local authority. Legal responsibility for compliance with these requirements rests with each individual member.

Where a possible contravention of the ethical framework by a member of a committee arises, this should be brought to the attention of the local authority’s Ethics Registrar. When the Ethics Registrar becomes aware of a possible contravention of the ethical framework by a member, he or she has a duty to bring this to the attention of the Chief Executive. Following this, the Chief Executive must consider what action should be taken. That action may include, among other things, investigative or disciplinary procedures which may be exercised within the legal framework, including referral of the matter to the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) for further investigation.