Planning Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Questions (653)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

653. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the result of the tendering process for independent planning expertise in the setting up of inquiries into certain planning decisions (details supplied); if any contracts or appointments have been made in respect of those conducting the proposed inquiries; the timeframe he expects the inquiries to follow; if terms of reference have been agreed; if he will make the precise details of these terms known; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12986/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Consequent to the tendering process mentioned, MacCabe Durney Barnes Consultants were appointed to carry out an independent planning review in accordance with section 255 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

The Terms of Reference require the consultants to undertake a review of planning issues raised in respect of the six planning authorities concerned (Carlow, Cork, Galway and Meath County Councils, and Cork and Dublin City Councils) particularly in relation to the organisation and the systems and procedures used by them in relation to their functions under the Act and to present a report, having regard in particular to the following key aspects:

1) the extent of consistency of policy translation and implementation within development and local area plans, with particular regard to specific cases, including:

a. examining the decision-making process in assessing planning applications and the degree of adherence to the relevant policies in development plan and local area plan policies and statutory planning guidelines, including certain EU Directives, in informing decisions;

b. assessing whether the number of cases appealed to An Bord Pleanála and the number of authority decisions reversed indicate poor application of policy contexts for assessing and deciding on planning applications;

2) the processes and procedures followed in recording and disclosure of information and adjudicating on specific planning applications;

3) recommendations on engagement and cooperation within planning authorities in the context of consistency in decisions and actions taken by planning authorities; and

4) recommendations on the application of development planning policies, and national policy and guidance, in terms of future planning practices.

The consultants may consult with those persons (with their agreement) who raised the planning issues concerned, in order to identify, clarify and understand the planning matters arising that may need to be addressed. The indicative date for the completion of the final report from the consultants is end July 2014.