Ms Attracta U? Bhroin:

In the context of appeals, it is worth looking back to the OPR's planning a review as well in terms of the small proportion of decisions subject to appeal and the extent to which those appeals are vindicated in the context of decisions being changed. An appeal represents value for money in terms of catching things early. This brings us back to something Senator Cummins spoke about regarding involving people in the process and creating a level playing field for different views. We have a fee-based structure for appeals. In the session with the representatives of the OPR and An Bord Pleanála, there was discussion regarding fees. One of our concerns is that we are basically requiring people to pay a fee. In this context, will people say they are in favour of undertaking something and pay their €20 or will they only pay their €20 when there is actually a problem? We create a contentious planning system with the use of fees and it is similar with appeals. An additional point regarding appeals, therefore, is that we must look at the fees and doing away with them for participation.