Bernard J. Durkan
Question:582 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a planning appeal to An Bord Pleanála has ever been withdrawn on foot of a payment to an objector. [9024/04]
View answerTuesday, 23 March 2004
Questions (583, 584)
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:583 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the statutory bodies that receive planning applications have ever withdrawn objections on foot of a payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9025/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 582 and 583 together.
Allegations are sometimes made of payments being provided to or demanded by persons to withdraw objections to planning applications or appeals. Under section 138 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, An Bord Pleanála has the power to dismiss an appeal that is, in its opinion, made with the intention of securing the payment of money, gifts, consideration or other inducements by any person.
Prescribed bodies must be notified by planning authorities of the receipt of certain planning applications. My Department is not responsible for their actions. It is not aware of an instance where a prescribed body withdrew from a planning application or appeal on foot of a payment. The same applies to planning cases that my Department has been involved in as a prescribed body.