Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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767. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received a copy of the report of the independent review group on organisational matters in An Bord Pleanála; if he has considered its recommendations; the legislative changes required arising from these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6049/16]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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The Report of the Independent Review Group on the operations of An Bord Pleanála was published on 14 March 2016. The review was undertaken to ensure that An Bord Pleanála was appropriately positioned and fit for purpose from an organisational perspective to fulfil its legislative mandate, taking account of considerations including an anticipated increase in construction activity, the increasingly complex legislative and policy context within which the Board operates, and the increase in functions assigned to the Board.

The report is a comprehensive document and contains over 100 recommendations relating to:

- simplification and streamlining of the planning legislation;

- more open arrangements for Board membership;

- improvements to the processes, systems and practices of An Bord Pleanála;

- access to environmental and other specialist advice;

- mandatory pre-application discussions for all potential Strategic Infrastructure Development projects; and

- changes to the statutory objective timeframes for the work of the Board.

My Department is currently reviewing the contents of the Report. An Bord Pleanála has also been asked to provide its views on the report and its recommendations. Given its importance and the number of recommendations contained in the report, some of which would require legislative underpinning, my Department intends to shortly engage with An Bord Pleanála on the practical implementation of the report’s recommendations.