Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Although I cannot comment on the individual planning appeal, I can address the issue of resources at An Bord Pleanála. The Government has significantly expanded those resources. We expect that will result in faster decisions, which we all want to see. At the end of 2022, 34 additional posts were sanctioned. In April this year, the board sought agreement for a total of 59 new posts, all of which were agreed by the Department. The board submitted sanction approval requests for these posts and that approval has been given by the Department. At the end of October, 249 people were working in the board, including board members. It is intended that more than 300 people will be employed by An Bord Pleanála when all the approved posts are filled. This will represent in excess of 50% of an increase in the overall agreed staffing at the board since 2021 and we expect it will result in decisions being made in a more time-efficient manner.

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