Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1078: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to abolish or reduce the fee of €50 charged to ordinary members of the public who make submissions or observations in relation to planning applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1452/09]

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

The fee for making submissions or observations to a planning authority in respect of a planning application is €20. It was introduced in the context of the comprehensive review of planning legislation that culminated in the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. The revised legislation also provided increased rights for third parties in the planning process. Since the enactment of the 2000 Act planning authorities are statutorily obliged to acknowledge submissions on planning applications and to consider those submissions before making decisions on planning applications. Persons who make submissions are also entitled to be notified of: any new information provided; the decision of the planning authority; and an appeal against the decision of the planning authority.

The fee for making submissions or observations to An Bord Pleanála in respect of a planning appeal is €50. Section 144 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that, subject to the approval of the Minister, the Board may determine fees in relation to, inter alia, the making of submissions or observations. It shall review such fees at least every three years having regard to any change in the consumer price index, and may amend them accordingly without the necessity of the Minister's approval. The last review of An Bord Pleanála fees was carried out in mid 2007 and the €50 fee for making submissions or observations remained unchanged. There are no proposals at this time for the amendment of these fees.