1478 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the granting of planning permission for one-off housing in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32808/10]

Settlement strategies adopted by planning authorities as part of their development plans, including strategies in relation to housing in rural areas, are required to be in accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 — 2010, and with national planning policy as set out in the 2005 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing.

The granting of planning permission is solely a function of each planning authority within the policies and objectives set out in the adopted development plan for the area.