Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Each local authority and each planner will look at a case on its merits. That is their professional expertise. Initially in the case, technically in the main they will decide to grant it, refuse it or ask for further information. If a situation arises where a small bit more time is needed to make a decision and they discuss this with the applicant and the applicant asks them to make a decision now, then the planner will make the decision based on what is there. Equally, they could tell the applicant they need another three weeks and the applicant consents to this. Then the planner has to make the decision within that three week period. That is it.