Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

My knowledge of the planning process is that whatever is introduced does not apply retrospectively. If, therefore, a new guideline were to be introduced today, it would not apply to planning applications made previously.I also suggest to the Senator that if he seeks a moratorium on it, perhaps he needs to speak to the local authorities because, as indicated in the response and as the Minister has outlined, he is only issuing guidelines and that is what they are, namely, guidelines. It is up to the planning authority itself or in this case, the local authority, or An Bord Pleanála to adjudicate on individual planning applications. To my knowledge, this has always been the case.