Group to debate new planning guidelines

Up to 500 members of the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) are to debate the new planning guidelines for rural housing at their annual conference in Co Clare this week.

The two-day conference, which takes place in Co Clare on Thursday and Friday, will also feature an afternoon session with the Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, who will debate his "one stop education shop" proposals with the members, many of whom sit on the boards of Vocational Education Committees.

The conference will feature a cross-Border element with the attendance of the Northern Ireland branches of the National Association of Councillors. The northern contingent will discuss ways to improve co-operation in areas such as tourism and infrastructure between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

The conference keynote address will be given by Minister of State at the Department of Environment Mr Pat the Cope Gallagher, following a debate on the State's relaxation of rural planning guidelines, announced recently by the Department.

Speakers will include the Environment Editor of The Irish Times, Mr Frank McDonald, the assistant secretary of the Department of Environment with responsibility for development and planning, Ms Mary Moylan, Mr Brian Fitzgerald of Meath County Council and representatives of Clare County Council and planning authorities in Northern Ireland, yet to be named.