Vol. 488 No. 6
159 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason for the difficulties being experienced by An Bord Pleanála in processing appeals within the normal time limits; and the measures, if any, being taken to address the problem. [6816/98]
There has been a steady increase in the number of cases coming before An Bord Pleanála, due mainly to the growth in the economy. In 1997, 3,927 new cases were received compared to 3,424 in 1996 and 2,874 in 1995 — a 37 per cent increase over a two year period. My Department has taken a number of measures to assist the board in dealing with the growth in the number of cases, including additional staffing. In the latter half of 1997, it became clear that the statutory limit of six on the membership of the board was proving a particular difficulty in terms of increasing the number of decisions. Accordingly, I introduced a short Bill last December to enable additional board members to be appointed. At present, this Bill is on Committee Stage in the Dáil. Assuming the early enactment of the Bill and appointment of two additional board members and taking account of the other measures taken, the board estimates that the percentage of cases determined within four months will be back up to about 90 per cent by the first quarter of 1999 and will later increase to 95 per cent with the full year benefit of the extra board members and staff. For more information on the matter, I refer the Deputy to my Second Reading speech on the Bill referred to in cols. 44 to 48 of the Official Report of 28 January 1998.
