Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have no problem with the introduction of fees for pre-planning consultation meetings. This consultation mechanism assists the introduction of good and strong planning permissions. I would be anxious for the fees to be set at a manageable level, especially in the case of small developments. They should not act as a disincentive for small infill developments in the city. I ask the Minister of State to watch that carefully.

I have been involved in several planning processes in Dublin city. Planning information meetings are available in Dublin City Council for residents. In many cases, residents do not want to object to developments. They often simply want their views to be taken on board at an early stage. I know of cases in which simple changes in the orientation of windows would have prevented observations that were made on planning applications going to An Bord Pleanála. By making provision for a community consultation mechanism in the case of a development of ten or more units, we can speed up the process. I accept the Minister of State's amendment. I suggest that a little more thought might help to bring about a quicker process, especially in cases of infill developments, which can be problematic. I ask the Minister of State to take that on board.