Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2022
266. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to delays in the roll-out of an e-planning system for local authorities which is now set to be completed by the end of 2022; the steps that are being taken to ensure that there are no future delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10094/22]
View answerThe e-Planning project was commenced with the aims of developing a relatively simple system closely aligned to the already developed Building Control Management (BCMS) system. However, as the detailed analysis for the project progressed, the differences between the standalone nature of the BCMS system and the complexity of e-Planning, including the level of integration required with the different systems already operated by local authorities, highlighted that a divergent approach would be required.
The approach from the outset was to, build on, rather than replace existing systems for cost and time efficiency reasons. The planning system itself is complex with many different processes, scenarios and timelines so the development of a solution that takes account of the complex planning code together with the required integration of the developed system with 3 existing back-end planning systems and 8 existing document management systems across 31 planning authorities was not a straightforward process.
However, following initial system development and a re-scoping exercise carried out in 2020, a revised project schedule for agreed functionality was agreed. This schedule committed to delivering online planning in two pilot local authorities by the end of 2021. The National Online Planning Portal (http://planning.localgov.ie) went live in Tipperary County Council and Galway County Council in Q4 2021 and is progressing well, with already over 35% of planning applications received in both these counties being received online.
The development of remaining functionality which includes the facility to make online submissions to planning applications and part 8 proposals is well advanced and is scheduled for completion by the end of May, after which time this aspect will also be piloted in Tipperary County Council and Galway County Council.
It is envisaged that the rollout of the National Online Planning Portal enabling both the making of online planning applications and the making of online submissions will begin across all remaining local authorities on a phased basis, including the integration necessary to enable planning applications for all local authorities, who may use different systems, to be received via the National Portal.
At present Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Kildare County Council are in the process of replacing their planning system after which they will complete the integration necessary to enable planning applications to these local authorities to be received via the National Portal.
The project is advancing in line with the programme agreed in 2020 and it is envisaged that e-planning functionality will be further rolled out across local authorities during the current year.
