Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1980. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the budget for An Bord Pleanála in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36132/19]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Section 116 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), provides for the payment to the Board in each financial year of a grant of such amount as the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government may fix, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The grant goes towards financing the administration and general expenses of the Board.

While the grant-aid funding provides for the majority of the Board’s annual income, the Board also generates income from fees charged. Section 144 of the Act provides for the determination of fees payable to the Board, subject to my approval. In the main, these fees are payable to the Board by parties in respect of Strategic Infrastructure Development applications, planning appeals, referrals, oral hearing requests and certain other matters which are submitted for determination under Planning and Development, Water Pollution, and Building Control legislation.

The following table sets out the operating budget for the Board for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019. The 2019 grant-aid figure represents the amount provided in the 2019 Revised Estimates for the Public Service.

I am satisfied that the Board has the necessary resources to deliver effectively and efficiently on its important statutory mandate and functions. I and my Department will continue to engage with the Board in that regard in the years ahead.