Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
555. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeframe within which An Bord Pleanála has to make a decision on a planning appeal; if this timeframe must be relayed to the person who has made the original planning application; if this timeframe can be extended; if so, the length of time that it can be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1588/23]
View answerUnder section 126(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), An Bord Pleanála (the Board) has a statutory objective to determine planning appeals within 18 weeks of receipt of the appeal.
In accordance with section 126(3) of the Act, where the Board does not consider it possible or appropriate to reach a decision within 18 weeks (e.g. because of the particular complexities of a case or the requirement to hold an oral hearing), it will inform all parties by notice in writing of the reasons for this, and will indicate when it intends to make its decision. The Board shall take all such steps as are open to it to ensure that the appeal is determined before the date specified in the notice. It is a matter for the Board to determine and specify the length of time in the notice for the making of a decision on an appeal.
Under the draft Planning and Development Bill 2022, which was approved by Government on 13 December 2022, it is proposed to introduce statutory mandatory timelines for all consent processes under the planning code, including appeals and other decisions by the Board, to bring greater certainty to the planning consent process. Where the Board fails to make decisions within the prescribed timelines, it will be subject to fines. My Department is continuing to work with the Board to finalise the exact timelines and these will be included in the finalised Bill. It is intended that the timelines will be introduced on a phased basis once the legislation is enacted.
