Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
512. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a recent High Court judgment (details supplied); the implications that this case will have on the current planning process; and if he plans to introduce changes to the planning regime in respect of strategic housing developments, the lifting of height restrictions and the reduction in apartment standards. [20546/20]
View answerIt would not be appropriate for me to comment on the High Court Judgement referred to because neither I, as Minister, or the State is a party to the case concerned. In addition, it should be noted that under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any case which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
While not commenting directly on the Judgement, I note that the Judgement referred to the application of the provisions of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 relating to Strategic Housing Developments (SHDs) and the relevant "specific planning policy requirement" 3(A) contained in the Urban Development Building Heights Guidelines issued to planning authorities in December 2018, rather than questioning the validity of same.
I cannot comment on the workings of An Bord Pleanála as it is an independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of SHD applications.
