Rory O'Hanlon
Question:93 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the management of some second if he will exempt all schools from these fees. [7796/97]
Written Answers. - Schools Planning Fees.
The Local Government (Planning and Development) Regulations 1994 provide an exemption from the payment of planning fees in the case of development which, in the opinion of the planning authority, is proposed to be carried out by or on behalf of a voluntary organisation and which is intended to be used for educational purposes by inhabitants of a locality generally and is not to be used for profit or gain. The question of whether or not particular educational facilities are being provided by a voluntary organisation is a matter for the planning authority to decide in each individual case. The aim of planning fees is to offset, to some extent, the considerable cost of the development control system as operated by planning authorities. I consider that the existing exemptions are appropriate and have no proposals to change them.