Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1813: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the course of action available to an individual or group of individuals who wish to make an appeal to An Bord Pleanála but do not have the financial resources to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1099/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Any person making a planning appeal is required to pay a fee as a contribution towards the cost of administering the planning appeal system. Section 144(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that, subject to the approval of the Minister, An Bord Pleanála may determine fees in relation to appeals, referrals and other matters coming before the Board. An application from An Bord Pleanála for approval to a fee structure was approved in March 2003. The current fee for the making of third party appeals to An Bord Pleanála is set at €210.

Section 144(1) also provides that a determination in relation to fees may provide for an exemption, waiver, remission or refund in particular circumstances. The question of making a further determination to allow for a waiver of fees in specific circumstances is therefore a matter for the Board in the first instance. However, it is important to note that any proposals to waive or reduce fees for any group have to be balanced against the necessity to ensure that the planning appeal system is adequately resourced and that the cost is fairly distributed among the users of the system.