Vol. 479 No. 3
29 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that An Bórd Pleanála is given the resources to deal with objections to industrial developments within a timeframe of weeks, rather than months, to assist in the creation of employment. [12762/97]
An Bord Pleanála has a statutory objective under section 2 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1992, to determine appeals generally within four months. In 1996, 93 per cent of appeals were dealt with within that period. Due to strong economic growth, there has been a continuing increase in the number of planning applications and, as a consequence, an increased number of appeals to the board. In response to this, my Department has agreed a range of measures with the board, including the employment of extra staff, to enable the board to restore performance to a satisfactory level.
An Bord Pleanála already has arrangements in place to identify and prioritise appeals relating to proposed developments that are considered to have significant employment potential. In addition, my Department is in regular contact with the industrial development agencies regarding the operation of the planning system generally. As indicated in Partnership 2000, the possibility of further changes in the system is to minimise delays and uncertainties will be considered; any such changes, of course, would have to ensure a continued high level of protection for the environment and amenities, and have regard to established rights to public participation in the planning process.
