John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can take both questions. In terms of planning resources within local authorities, the Cathaoirleach is correct that there is a significant additional workload in the context of the new Planning and Development Act but there are also streamlining elements in terms of e-planning that have been introduced and the likes of the planning exemptions that would have come before this committee in terms of trying to reduce the workload.

In terms of the digitisation in that e-planning, there is a really good news story in that every local authority very shortly - Cork city being the last one - will have e-planning in place. Of all of the local authorities that have introduced e-planning, approximately 80% of planning applications are now being done online through e-planning and there is no paper with them.

That is helpful in reducing the administrative burden.

In tranche 1 of the ministerial action plan we funded 100 posts, which are filled. Last January we approved 112 posts, of which 56 were graduate planner posts and 56 were staff officer posts. We are now looking at tranche 3. In regard to those graduate posts, the intention is to do them on a two-year rotation because we want to get planners in at graduate level to give them that two years of experience. They can then take up those entry-level jobs within the local authorities. Giving them that experience within the local authority system will help to retain that talent within the local authorities. There are competing demands for people as they come out. In addition, we are also looking at rolling out later this year an apprenticeship programme in planning which also can be of assistance in that space. We are committed to additional planning resources within the local authority system in terms of tranche 3. However, it is important to put it in the context of where we have moved from, the additional measures in terms of simplifying the process, taking things out of the planning system that do not need to be in it, and e-planning to reduce that burden.

In regard to rates space, we have provided from the Department to Longford County Council €1.4 million in 2021 and €1.3 million from 2022 to 2025. I have spoken to my local government officials. They will be engaging with Longford County Council. We do not want to see a cliff edge around that. There are budgetary allocations in terms of that. We have committed the funding in terms of 2026 and we will work with Longford County Council and Offaly County Council to ensure there is not a cliff edge.