Written answers

Tuesday, 25 April 2006

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Planning Issues

9:00 pm

Photo of Michael LowryMichael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 955: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if additional resources to the funding provided in each year from 2000 to the planning offices in each local authority will be provided. [14479/06]

Photo of Michael LowryMichael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 957: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if additional financial resources will be provided to North and South Tipperary County Councils to enable them to meet the ever-increasing demands placed on them by the rising number of planning applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14481/06]

Photo of Dick RocheDick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 955 and 957 together.

In 2006, I have allocated general purpose grants to local authorities amounting to €875 million; this represents an increase of 6.5% over the corresponding figure for 2005, which is more than twice the current rate of inflation.

The Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, set out provisions for the payment of fees for planning applications. Local authorities generated in excess of €57 million in planning fees in 2004, the latest year for which statistics are available. Planning authorities are also entitled to require persons served with enforcement notices to pay their costs, and retain any fines paid on foot of a court conviction. Such income can also be used to fund development management and administration.

The Indecon report on the review of local government financing calls for a move towards a planning system which operates at full economic cost recovery. I intend to undertake a study of the cost of the planning service later this year with a view to reviewing the fees regulations thereafter. In the circumstances, it is not proposed to provide specific additional funding to local authorities from central government in respect of services provided by planning offices.

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