asked the Minister for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that objectors to planning appeals before An Bord Pleanála are informed of their right to appeal to him for an oral hearing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Planning Appeals.
27.
Under the provisions of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976, where An Bord Pleanála receive a request for an oral hearing and decide to determine the appeal without such a hearing, the board must serve notice of their decision on the person who requested the hearing. Any person served with such a notice may then apply to me in writing within 14 days requesting me to direct the board to hold an oral hearing. Since it is the practice of the board, when serving notice of a decision to refuse a hearing, to notify the person who requested the hearing of his right to apply to me for a direction, no action by me is required.