Darren O'Rourke
Question:124. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff working in An Bord Pleanála; their cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25068/23]
View answerWednesday, 24 May 2023
Questions (124)
Written answers
An Bord Pleanála (the Board) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
There are now more people working at An Bord Pleanála than at any time previously. Since October 2021, my Department has agreed to 117 new staffing posts in An Bord Pleanála, as detailed below.
• In October 2021, my Department approved an additional 24 posts across a range of technical and administrative grades including the setting up of a new Marine and Climate Unit.
• In December 2022, 34 additional posts were sanctioned, and the Board is in the process of filling these positions.
• In April 2023, An Bord Pleanála sought agreement for a total of 59 new posts, all of which were agreed by the Department. An Bord Pleanála submitted sanction approval requests for these positions and my Department has provided sanction approval for all 59 posts.
As of 30 April 2023, 219 people are working in ABP (including Board Members). An Bord Pleanála have advised that the total salary costs for these posts from 1 January 2023 to 30 April 2023 is €4,739,000.