Vol. 500 No. 1
236 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason for the delay experienced by applicants to An Bord Pleanála in view of the fact that staff levels were increased recently; the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that applications are expedited; if he has satisfied himself with the process in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3534/99]
The steep increase in the number of appeals coming before An Bord Pleanála has continued, reflecting the high growth rate in the national economy. The intake of cases in 1998 was 16 per cent up on 1997. It is estimated that the total number of cases received in 1999 will reach 5,050, by far the highest number since 1983 when appeal fees were introduced. The average time taken to dispose of cases in 1998 was 18 weeks and compliance with the four month objective was 63 per cent. The increase in the average time and the decline in meeting the four month objective is a cause of concern and is monitored closely by the board and my Department. Increased staffing has been approved. The staffing level in 1997 increased from 71 to 85. All additional staffing sought by the board in 1998 was approved, bringing the current approved staffing level to 93, and the board is currently in the process of filling the outstanding vacancies. The board has been experiencing difficulty in recruiting suitably qualified and experienced personnel.
Under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1998, I have increased the number of board members by 50 per cent from six to nine. In 1999, the board will have the full year benefit of the extra board members and additional staff approved. In consultation with the board, I am actively reviewing the situation to see what additional measures are required in the light of current performance and the trend in appeals.
