asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give details of the total number of community organisations who have paid planning charges since they were introduced; the total amount of community organisations whose planning charges were refunded as a result of his regulations for exemption from planning fees as and from 3 January 1984; the total amount of money involved; the names of all the community centres which got refunds and the total amount of refunds paid to them; the reasons he exempted these community organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Community Organisations.
579.
The information requested is not available in my Department.
The Local Government (Planning and Development) (Exemption from Fees) Regulations, 1984, provided that applications for planning permission made by or on behalf of voluntary organisations for building or other development for social, recreational, educational or religious purposes, or for use as a hostel, workshop or other accommodation for disabled, poor or homeless persons (and not to be used mainly for profit or gain) would be exempt from the requirement to pay planning fees from 3 January 1984. The regulations did not provide for the refund of fees paid prior to that date. The exemption was granted in recognition of the valuable contribution which voluntary organisations make to the community at large.