Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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228. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider putting an ABP submission cost-waiver in place for those in receipt of social welfare payments in order to allow them to participate fully in the planning process, given that the National Transport Authority opted to run the MetroLink railway order and Ballymun CBC application processes at the same time. [51088/22]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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An Bord Pleanála ('the Board') is independent in the performance of its functions under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.

Under section 144 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, An Bord Pleanála may determine fees that may be charged, subject to the approval of the Minister in relation to any case that is within its jurisdiction. The relevant statutory provisions also provide that the Board shall review the approved fees from time to time but must undertake a review, based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), at least every three years and can adjust fees up or down within CPI change limits without the necessity for Ministerial approval.

While section 144(1B) provides, inter alia, for exemptions or waivers of fees, An Bord Pleanála has advised my Department that they have no current proposals to waive or reduce the fees as outlined by the Deputy.