Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 7

Written Answers. - Local Authority Planning Applications.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

135 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that An Bord Pleanála which was established under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976, overturns the decisions of local authorities in relation to planning applications; if he has satisfied himself that adequate mechanisms for local democracy and accountability are in place to facilitate the board in making decisions; the further plans, if any, he has for reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4482/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

Planning law requires An Bord Pleanála to determine an appeal against a planning authority's decision by reference to the proper planning and development of the area concerned and to have regard to the provisions of the relevant development plan. It is open to any person or body to make submissions to the board about an appeal, in accordance with legally prescribed procedures. The board may, following consideration of relevant issues, decide to grant planning permission, with or without conditions, or to refuse it. The board itself is made up of people nominated by a representative cross-section of organisations involved in developmental, environmental and professional activities.I am generally satisfied with the manner in which the arrangements are working and I have no proposals at present to change the legal framework within which appeals are determined.