Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2023
36. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking to increase certainty across the planning system through the introduction of statutory timelines for decision making; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53976/23]
View answerThe Planning and Development Bill 2023 introduces statutory time periods for decision making for all consent processes, including for An Coimisiún Pleanála. This will bring certainty to consent processes for both the public and stakeholders involved in the delivery of key infrastructure such as housing and renewable energy. Timelines are being introduced for appeals as well as the various consent applications made directly to An Coimisiún, including Strategic Infrastructure Developments.
These time periods will range from 18 weeks for appeals of decisions of planning authorities, to 48 weeks for Strategic Infrastructure Developments. These will be introduced on a phased basis, starting with those for Strategic Infrastructure Developments, including renewable energy and transport projects. The varying timelines reflect the differing complexities of applications dealt with by An Coimisiún. A system of proportionately escalating measures are set out in the Bill outlining the obligations in place if An Coimisiún does not make decisions within the mandatory time limits, including mutually agreed time extensions, public notification and reporting, fines and intervention by the Minister in the form of review.
The headline period for planning authorities to make decisions to make decisions will remain at 8 weeks with an additional 4 weeks allowed for applications that require an environmental assessment.
