Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

They say it is better to light a candle than curse the dark. We have a housing crisis and a crisis in the provision of a lot of other facilities. One thing adding to the crisis is the phenomenal delays still in getting decisions from An Bord Pleanála. I have cases that have been with the board for over a year and a half. These are all projects which, if approved, could go ahead. I know extra staff were approved but I am wondering about two things. First, what extra short-term steps could be taken to clear this backlog forthwith under the present legislation? Second, when is it hoped the new legislation setting up an coimisiún pleanála will be fully operational and in place? We need radical change here, and that would free up a lot of planning decisions that would potentially provide a lot of accommodation in the State.

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