Environment Minister John Gormley has told delegates at the Irish National Landscape Conference he plans to rule out "anomalies" in archaeological policy and "chronic" over-zoning.

Speaking at the Tullamore meeting Mr Gormley said landscape agenda has become a mainstream national objective through Ireland's ratification of the European Landscape Convention.

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He said a major review of archaeological policy and practice will be undertaken to eliminate "anomalies and inconsistencies" that have arisen through successive acts.

Minister Gormley also said "strong action" is being taken to address the issue of "chronic and over zoning" through the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill.

The bill requires much tighter management of land zoning to ensure that the location and quantum of land zoned for development is in line with regional and local targets for growth in development plans.

(PR/GK)