Written answers

Wednesday, 2 April 2008

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Planning Issues

9:00 pm

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 986: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason it takes An Bord Pleanála approximately six to nine months to adjudicate on a planning appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11974/08]

Photo of John GormleyJohn Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under Section 126 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, An Bord Pleanála has a statutory objective to determine appeals within 18 weeks. Where the Board does not consider it possible or appropriate to reach a decision within 18 weeks (e.g. because of delays arising from the holding of an oral hearing), it will inform the parties of the reasons for this, and will indicate when it intends to make the decision.

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 relation to delivery of local and national infrastructure and of the demands arising from sustained record levels of appeals over 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.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.