A fee in respect of submissions on planning applications is provided for in the Planning and Development Act, 2000. The Act for the first time places a statutory obligation on planning authorities to consider submissions on planning applications made by the general public. The Act also provides the planning regulations may provide that persons who made submissions are informed of the decision as of right by the planning authority and intend making such a regulation. The fee is designed to contribute toward the increased administrative burden placed on planning authorities by the Act in respect of persons who make submissions.
It is my intention to submit draft planning fees regulations, which will include the fee for making a submission on planning applications, to the Oireachtas for positive resolution early in 2001. I have stated on a number of occasions in the Oireachtas that, when making these regulations, I do not intend to set this charge at such a level as to deter any person or body who has genuine concerns in relation to a planning application.
