Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2015
854. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that a fast-track planning process should be provided in order to expedite social housing projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11090/15]
View answerSocial housing developments by a local authority may be approved by the members of a local authority under the procedures set out in Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, unless the development requires an Environmental Impact Assessment or an appropriate assessment, in which case it must be submitted to An Bord Pleanála under sections 175 or 177AE of the Planning and Development Act 2000, respectively.
The Part 8 provisions set out a procedure to ensure that the public and prescribed bodies are consulted on any such proposed developments. A local authority is required to give public notice of the proposed development, including notice to prescribed bodies, and it must invite submissions on the development. The local authority must also make available for inspection documents, particulars and plans relating to any such proposed development.
Further to the public consultation process, the Chief Executive of the planning authority is then required to prepare a written report and submit it to the elected members, which describes the nature and extent of the development and its principal features and evaluates whether or not it would be consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area to which the development relates, having regard to the provisions of the development plan. The report must give the Chief Executive's reasons and the considerations for the evaluation. The report must also list the persons or bodies who made submissions or observations on the proposed development and summarise the issues - with respect to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area - raised in any such submissions or observations, and incorporate the response of the Chief Executive to these issues. The proposed development may then proceed unless the elected members decide by resolution to vary or modify it or decide not to proceed with it.
Having regard to the desirability of consulting the public and prescribed bodies in relation to substantial developments, I consider that the procedures set out in Part 8 are reasonable and appropriate, and I do not consider that these procedures lead to any undue delay in the provision of social housing.
