asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the practice of a local authority (details supplied) of withholding from interested parties copies of planning permissions granted by it as a result of which possible appellants are frustrated in their efforts to appeal against the planning decisions given; if he will have a public inquiry conducted into the practice and if necessary take steps by means of legislation or otherwise to rectify the position; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Written Answers. - Local Authority Planning Permission.
274.
I am not so aware. Section 8 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, requires each planning authority to keep a register in which there must, by virtue of section 41 of the said Act, be entered particulars of applications for permission for development and decisions on applications. The register is kept at the office of the planning authority and is available for inspection during office hours. A copy of an entry in the register may be obtained by any person on payment of a fee of 50p.
In the specific case referred to by the Deputy the letter purporting to appeal against the decision of the planning authority was not received within the period prescribed by statute and in the circumstances could not be accepted as a valid appeal. The residents' association concerned were notified by the planning authority by letter dated 15th November, 1971, that a decision to grant permission had been made on 12th November, that particulars of such decision had been entered in the planning register, that the register is available for inspection at the planning department, 46-49 Dame Street, during normal office hours, that a certified copy of the entry in the register might be had on payment of 50p. and that an appeal against the decision by an aggrieved person must be made within 21 days of the date of the decision. In the circumstances I am satisfied that the residents' association concerned had adequate opportunity of submitting a valid appeal in accordance with the procedure prescribed by statute.