asked the Minister for the Environment if he will introduce legislation requiring all public bodies to give adequate public notice of plans for all developments; and if he will provide appeal procedures when proposed developments contravene local development plans which have been adopted by local authorities.
Written Answers. - Public Notice of Development Plans.
240.
All semi-State organisations are subject to full planning control in the normal way subject to certain limited exemptions for minor developments.
State authorities, that is Government Departments, the Commissioners of Public Works and the Land Commission, are not required to obtain planning permission. However, section 84 of the 1963 Planning Act provides that a State authority must consult the planning authority before undertaking the construction or extension of any building (other than one connected with afforestation). If any objections raised by the planning authority cannot be resolved by direct consultation the Minister for the Environment must be consulted.
I am also examining the current procedures under section 84 of the 1963 Act as part of the general review of planning law that is at present being carried out in my Department and will make any necessary changes to improve the existing procedures where I consider it desirable. I am also examining the current procedures under section 84 of the 1963 Act as part of the general review of planning law that is at present being carried out in my Department and will make any necessary changes to improve the existing procedures where I consider it desirable.