View of central space Dublin City Library, Parnell Square Cultural Quarter. Image courtesy of Grafton Architects.
Planning is concerned with managing development and its impacts, positive and negative. Development has a broad definition and in this context is defined in legislation as “the carrying out of any works on, in, over or under land or the making of any
material change in the use of any structures or other land.”
The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon is a Prescribed Body or Statutory Consultee in the planning process, under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Planning
Authorities are required to send planning applications which have a potential effect upon arts and culture, including buildings of contemporary architectural significance, to the Arts Council for review and comment.
As a prescribed body The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon should be notified by a Planning Authority under the below circumstances set out in Article 28(1) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) in circumstances where for example, the proposed development
is situated in an area of special amenity, or that the development might obstruct any view or prospect of special amenity value or special interest
would involve the carrying out of works to, or detract from the appearance of a protected structure or proposed protected structure, or to the exterior of a structure which is located within an architectural conservation area,
might affect, obstruct, interfere with or be unduly close to a feature or object of archaeological, geological, scientific, ecological or historical interest or National Monuments
In addition to the above The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon is interested in Planning Applications in the following circumstances;
- Developments regarding new, or impacting on existing,
arts infrastructure.
- Developments regarding or impacting on the public realm
where civic engagement may take place, such as town squares, public parks,
public buildings.
- Developments regarding or impacting on protected
structures of artistic or cultural interest.
- Developments to buildings of architectural significance
from the 20th century onwards, which contribute to contemporary
architecture culture in Ireland.
The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon has no role in the Planning Application process in circumstances which do not meet the above-mentioned criteria.
The Arts Council should also be notified of the following incidences that specifically pertain to the work of the Local Authority itself in terms of planning and development (as opposed to third party applications made to the Authority for development).
These are detailed in the following sections of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
Section 11 – the preparation of a Draft Development Plan
Section 12 – the making of a Development Plan
Section 13 – variations to a Development Plan
Section 24 – consultation regarding regional planning guidelines
Section 55 – procedure for making additions or deletions to the record of protected structures
Section 85 – special planning control scheme
Section 175 – environmental impact assessments of certain development carried out by or on behalf of local authorities.
For more information please email planning@artscouncil.ie
Please note that we are currently not accepting hard copy submissions, and relevant links should be included in your email.