Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
181. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if clarity will be provided regarding section 34 of the Planning Acts, which states that An Bord Pleanála is obliged to take Government policy into account; the sections of the various Planning Acts to which the obligation on An Bord Pleanála to consider Government policy apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47208/21]
View answerSection 34(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), provides that when making its decision on a planning application, the planning authority shall be restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area having regard to the provisions of the local development plan as well as a number of other factors including any guidelines issued by the Minister under section 28 of the Act as well as the policy of the Government, the Minister or any other Minister of the Government.
Section 143 of the Act further provides that when making a decision on an appeal or planning application, An Bord Pleanála (the Board) shall have regard to the policies and objectives of the Government, a State authority, the Minister, planning authorities and any other body which is a public authority whose functions have, or may have, a bearing on the proper planning and sustainable development of cities, towns or other areas, whether urban or rural. The Board shall also have regard to the national interest and any effect the performance of the Board’s functions may have on issues of strategic economic or social importance to the State, the National Planning Framework and any regional spatial and economic strategy for the time being in force.
