I propose to take Questions Nos. 360 and 361 together.
Under section 41 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, the duration of a planning permission (referred to as “the appropriate period”) is the period specified in the permission, or 5 years, whichever is longer. Section 42 provides that an application to extend the duration of the appropriate period must be made prior to the expiration of that period.
The decision of the High Court in the case of Patrick Browne and Kerry County Council referred to in Question No. 361 would appear to mean that all time limits and periods referred to in the Planning and Development Acts 2000 - 2012 are extended by nine days: the period between the 24th day of December and the first day of January, both days inclusive. My Department is preparing a Circular Letter to planning authorities on this matter, and, in the context of further legislation, will consider whether the provisions of the Act require any clarification.