371 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the recourse available to members of the public when a local authority fails to take control and environmental action against individuals and organisations acting outside of planning laws. [28915/01]

Under section 27 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976, as amended by the 1992 Act, any person may apply to the High Court seeking an order prohibiting unauthorised development or use of land. The court may, on foot of such an application, require that the development or unauthorised use be discontinued and, in so far as is practicable, that the land be restored to its condition prior to the commencement of the development or unauthorised use.