Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like to address an issue that has been brought to my attention by a number of different people involved in various projects around the country, namely, the fiasco that is An Bord Pleanála at the moment. The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government needs to address the issue. Staffing levels in An Bord Pleanála are 10% to 11% below what they were in 2008. The board is unable to reach decisions within any specified timeframe. The average length of time for a decision from An Bord Pleanála has grown from 15 weeks to 17 weeks. This is deplorable given that we have a housing crisis. It is slowing down genuine people who are prepared to build houses and help get us out of the situation we are in.

There are a number of other projects of which I am aware that have no idea when they will get a decision. They are in limbo. Due to the fact that the board is understaffed, it is unable to reach the deadlines it has set but is able to push out that deadline.

Along with bringing staffing levels up to the required number, the Minister also needs to set down clear guidelines for An Bord Pleanála similar to those that apply to any county council or local body so that when people apply for planning permission, they know the date on which they will get a decision, be it good, bad or indifferent. In this day and age, An Bord Pleanála needs to work to a similar system.