Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 552: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that An Bord Pleanála is increasingly unable to make decisions within 18 months; his plans to act on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8862/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Record levels of case intake over successive years 2004 — 2006 and the assumption of significant new functions under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 challenged An Bord Pleanála's ability to achieve its statutory objective. According to the Board's annual report for 2006, the 18-week statutory objective was met in 52% of all cases, compared to 78% in 2005.

However, in recognition of the key role the Board plays in delivery of key local and national infrastructure and of the demands arising from sustained record levels of appeals over the recent years, sanction was given in 2007 for an additional 35.5 permanent staff, bringing the total complement to 172.

As a result, I expect to see a significant improvement in the Board's performance levels in relation to its statutory objective targets during 2008.