Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - Planning Appeals.

David Stanton

Question:

458 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether residents, community and other groups which have concerns regarding proposed developments in their area and wish to carry out research in order to inform and back up objections they may wish to make, should receive financial assistance from the State or State agencies; if such assistance is available from his Department or any State agency; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11846/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

Specific funding is not available from my Department for the purpose of supporting research into or preparation in planning objections. The Department provides occasional financial support for the activities of certain environmental NGOs, including an annual contribution to An Taisce to assist it in carrying out its functions as a prescribed body under the Planning and Development Act, 2000. Under sections 145 and 219 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, An Bord Pleanála may, at its absolute discretion, direct that a payment be made towards the costs of a party who has been involved in a planning appeal or who appeared at an oral hearing into a proposed local authority compulsory purchase order.