asked the Minister for Local Government whether he will consider the introduction of regulations requiring the payment of a fee in respect of planning appeals, especially those related to commercial projects.
Written Answers. - Planning Appeals.
150.
I assume the Deputy has in mind the charging of a statutory fee to appellants to have their appeals processed. The Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, does not empower me to introduce regulations along these lines. Representations have been made to me that a financial deposit should be required in the case of third party appeals. I am examining the position generally in connection with my review of the Local Government (Planning and Development) (No. 2) Bill, 1969.
151.
asked the Minister for Local Government the number of planning appeals adjudicated upon in the year ended 30th June, 1971.
The total number of appeals formally determined under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1968, in the year ended 30th June, 1971 was 1,876.
152.
asked the Minister for Local Government the number of officers, administrative and technical, engaged on planning appeals.
There is a total of 54 whole-time officers engaged on planning appeals work—38 administrative, and 16 professional/technical. In addition seven part-time officers are employed on this work.