An Bord Pleanála ('the Board') is independent in the performance of its functions under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
In order to be of assistance, my Department sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Bord Pleanála. The Board has advised that it currently has 36 cases on hand in excess of 5 years, 21 of which are Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) pre-application consultation cases which are effectively in abeyance or abandoned and the onus is on the prospective applicants to close the case.
The Board has stated that the remaining 15 cases relate to SID and substitute consent applications, and referrals under section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.