asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to problems which currently prevail in the planning department in Dublin Corporation which is no longer capable, according to reports, of handling with due speed the numbers of applications which are being lodged for planning permission; the steps, if any, which he proposes to take in conjunction with Dublin Corporation who have alleged that lack of funds and staff resources are part of the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dublin Corporation Planning Department.
74.
Planning authorities are obliged to make a decision on a planning application within two months of receipt of the application or, where additional information is requested, within two months of receipt of this information. It is a matter for each planning authority to ensure that decisions issue on time and, in this context, it is understood from Dublin Corporation that all planning decisions issued in recent times were inside the statutory periods.
The provision of staffing for the planning department of Dublin Corporation and the deployment of staff in the most effective manner are matters for the local authority, subject to the constraints that apply generally.
A general review of planning regulations is being carried out by my Department and when making consolidated regulations, I will take the opportunity to further streamline procedures to improve the operation of the planning system.