Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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97. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he has considered delaying discussion regarding local development plans given the logistical difficulties facing both councils and elected representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4731/21]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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In light of the initial impacts of the Covid-19 emergency last year, an Order was made by Government on 29 March 2020, under section 251A of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), which ultimately resulted in the extension of all planning timelines for a period of eight weeks to 23 May 2020.

As a result of the Spring 2020 emergency order, an additional period of eight weeks may be added to any city or county development plan process that commenced prior to 29th March 2020.

In the time since the expiry of this period of extension, the planning system has learned many lessons and has adapted to the public health advice and the framework for restrictive measures agreed by Government. Under the current Level 5 restrictions and associated regulations, the planning service is remains operational as an essential service.

A vital element of a functioning planning system is to ensure that public participation rights are not curtailed, subject to public health protocols and remote working where feasible, and that local authority decision making processes in respect of planning applications and development plans can continue to function in a transparent manner.

The planning system as a whole has implemented changes in this regard since the expiry of the extension period, including public health protocols for visitors to and staff working in local authorities and for local councillors, the requirement to scan and upload planning applications to an online location within 5 days of submission, and confirmation by Regulation in October 2020, and again in January 2021, that planning is an ‘essential service’, meaning that participating members of the public are permitted to travel to engage in a planning process where it is not possible to engage remotely.

As the Deputy may also be aware, a recent amendment to section 11(3)(b) of the Planning and Development Act also now allows for an alternative to ‘in-person’ public meetings at the initial stage of a development plan process, which has enabled planning authorities to adapt public consultation procedures in light of present restrictions on the holding of public gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Government has also legislated for remote or partially remote council meetings to take place, including in relation to planning matters such as the county development plan process. Local authorities have been making use of this provision for a range of functions, although it is also possible to make use of a larger venue than a local council chamber, should that be considered necessary

Other legislative provisions made at the end of 2020 allow the Government, at the request of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to make new emergency orders during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic, which would extend certain statutory planning timelines. However, these provisions are intended as a precautionary ‘backstop’, that enable Government to make a decision in circumstances where it has been determined that the ongoing operation of the planning system is critically and evidentially compromised, notwithstanding safety measures already undertaken, and provisions for remote access and/or use of a larger venue.

As we look towards post-Covid recovery, the continued safe operation of the planning system will be important to support a pipeline of new housing, infrastructure and employment and also to ensure that measures are in place to deliver more sustainable development, advance decarbonisation and ensure environmental protection.

My Department is deeply appreciative of the ongoing work of the local government sector to maintain all essential services in accordance with public health requirements and also the co-operation of the public, who continue to engage remotely where possible, as well as that of city and county council local elected representatives throughout Ireland. At present, it is not considered necessary to make emergency orders to further extend city or county development plan processes. My officials are actively monitoring the planning situation in conjunction with the sector, to keep matters under review.