Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue to do with applying legislative time limits to decisions by An Bord Pleanála in order to expedite the planning process. Apple's investment in Athenry, County Galway, is a fantastic news story and it is one that I, as an Athenry native, am thrilled with. However, I am concerned that the current planning process could end up delaying the development due to the lack of aforementioned time limits when it come to decisions by An Bord Pleanála. This means that the decision-making process could be delayed, causing a problem that those rejoicing in the much-desired investment in Athenry could do without, especially in regard to the development of employment opportunities that are badly needed in Athenry and the greater area. For this reason, I call for the introduction of targeted timeframes for planning decisions as soon as possible.

It is important that people have an opportunity to submit their appeals and that they are properly considered. However, we must also ensure that planning applications do not become stuck through endless appeal processes and delays. Such a situation affects not just Apple but all developments in general. Planning decisions must be taken prudently and with the best interest of Irish citizens at their heart. Target times would bring greater clarity to the system and would streamline the process overall. Such improvements would make for a better planning process in Ireland. At a time when new housing is badly required, building is being delayed because of the length of time involved in getting planning permission through the process. This situation has unarguably added to the housing crisis. It has also stopped construction workers from getting back to work and thus allowing us, as a country, to make further gains along the road to recovery. I ask the Leader of the House to allocate time for a debate with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in order to discuss time limits for An Bord Pleanála appeals.