Mr. Seamus McCarthy:

As members are aware, An Bord Pleanála is responsible under the Planning and Development Acts for the determination of appeals of local authority planning decisions and for the determination of direct planning applications for strategic housing and infrastructure development. The board also has responsibility for dealing with proposals for the compulsory acquisition of land by public authorities and with determining appeals under the Water Pollution and Building Control Acts.

The board's income in 2020 totalled €28.9 million. Some €19.2 million, or almost two thirds of the income, came from Exchequer cash grants via the Vote for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Just over €6.7 million, or 23% was received in application fees. Expenditure in 2020 amounted to €31.5 million. Salaries and related costs amounted to €17.4 million, representing around 55% of the board's expenditure in 2020. Expenditure related to premises and other operating expenses totalled €5.8 million. The board’s expenditure and legal fees in 2020 amounted to €8.3 million. This was significantly up on the figure of €3.4 million, which was incurred in 2019.

This was significantly up on the €3.4 million incurred in 2019. About half of the expenditure in 2020 was accounted for by the board's legal fees in defending cases, with the other half representing payment of the costs of persons taking cases against the board following the settlement of cases. Following audit, the 2020 financial statements were certified on 30 June 2021 and a clear audit opinion was issued. The audit of the 2021 financial statements is ongoing.