Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the effectiveness of the strategic infrastructure development strategy pursued by An Bord Pleanála and the level at which SID is set (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39600/10]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the average number of weeks An Bord Pleanála takes to notify the applicant and planning authority on the decision on whether a strategic infrastructure development application can be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39615/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 90 and 92 together.

In general, I am precluded, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Acts from exercising any power or control in relation to any individual planning application or appeal with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.

The strategic consent process under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, which became operational from 31 January 2007, is designed to provide a streamlined, single stage consent process based on rigorous assessment of projects, including their environmental impacts. All applications for strategic infrastructure are now assessed by the Strategic Infrastructure Division within An Bord Pleanála acting as a "one-stop shop" in respect of development consent for all major infrastructure, including major transport related projects such as airports and related ancillary works.

The pre-application consultation process between the prospective applicant and An Bord Pleanála is mandatory under the Act, and is designed to ensure that the subsequent application for consent is of a high standard, and that issues relating to proper planning and sustainable development and the effects on the environment are adequately addressed from the outset. There is no set time-limit for these consultations, each case is unique and applicants will engage in the process at different levels of preparedness. Some applicants will use the initial pre-application discussions to help inform their own thinking in relation to project development.

Following on from the pre-application consultation process, the Board formally determines whether the project is to be dealt with under the strategic infrastructure process. The Board has a statutory objective to make a decision on the formal application within 18 weeks beginning on the last day for making submissions or observations by the public. The information sought regarding the average number of weeks the Board takes to notify the applicant if a project is strategic is not held in my Department. However, I understand that details on pre-application submissions, applications and decisions on proposals under the Strategic Infrastructure Act are available on the website of An Bord Pleanála at www.pleanala.ie .