Written answers

Tuesday, 17 May 2016

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

An Bord Pleanála Review

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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398. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if is he satisfied with the outcome of the review into An Bord Pleanála that was commissioned in August 2015 and published in March 2016, despite many persons believing they were left out and did not get an opportunity to submit to the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10167/16]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Report of the Independent Review Group on the operations of An Bord Pleanála, which was commissioned by the previous Minister in July 2015, 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 containing 101 recommendations relating to:

- the simplification and streamlining of the planning legislation,

- more open arrangements for the appointment of Board members,

- 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.

As part of its work, the Review Group engaged extensively with interested and relevant parties:

- by holding an 8 week public consultation process between September and November 2015;

- by seeking written submissions from bodies and organisations with an institutional connection to An Bord Pleanála ; and

-by engaging in a series of information gathering meetings with a range of bodies involved in the planning sector.

Further information on the Review generally, including public consultation responses and written submissions received and considered by the Review Group, can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link:

I am satisfied that the Review was conducted in an open and transparent manner, in accordance with the terms of reference, and in a manner that facilitated engagement with the public and with relevant stakeholders.

My Department is currently reviewing the contents of the Report and has asked An Bord Pleanála to provide its views on the report and its recommendations. Following consideration of the report and the receipt of the views of An Bord Pleanála, it is envisaged that a comprehensive implementation plan will be developed given the importance of the report and the number of recommendations contained therein, some of which would require legislative underpinning.

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