Planning policy and Healthy Ireland strategy should work together to protect children – Coghlan

Speaking in the Seanad, Government Chief Whip and Senator for Kerry, Paul Coghlan, said that a recent case where a school objected to a fast food restaurant being established close to its premises highlights the importance of planning policies and the Healthy Ireland strategy working together.

“A Wicklow school recently initiated a court challenge against An Bord Pleanala arising from a decision to grant planning permission for a fast food restaurant adjacent to its grounds. This case has sparked a conversation around the proximity of fast food outlets to local schools.

“This is an important issue of public policy as its raises the need to align planning policy with the Healthy Ireland strategy.

“This is a matter that the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of the Environment need to address to ensure that planning policy is adequately informed and guided by Government policy in this area.

“It does not seem right that it should be a matter for individual schools to go up against the might of large fast food companies to ensure that students are not excessively exposed to foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat.

“Healthy Ireland is a driver for integrating healthy living into every area of Government policy. It is important that we have a health conscious and active society so that we can improve standards of living.

“Keeping the recovery going is the number one priority for this Government, but this must be done in a responsible way that protects the well-being of the majority. I am hopeful that the relevant departments will come together to discuss how public policy and planning laws can complement each other in this way.”