Vol. 525 No. 1
157 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if it is permissible for local authority planning departments to contract out various planning applications to the private sector in order to streamline the planning process and to ensure faster turn around time in applications; the number of departments engaging in this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23785/00]
Planning applications are processed by planning authorities in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Acts and regulations. Under the Planning Acts, planning control is an executive function of the planning authority vested in the manager. While this function can be delegated to senior officials of the planning authority in accordance with local government legislation, the actual making of a decision on a planning application cannot be delegated to a person who is not an official of the authority. However, there is nothing to prevent planning authorities from using private sector consultants to report on planning applications. In fact, "Action on Housing" published by my Department in June 2000, indicated that consideration would be given to the use of suitable private sector consultants to carry out development control on a fee per case basis. This is being pursued by my Department as part of a package of measures to increase resources in the planning system.
Most planning authorities use private sector consultants for a variety of tasks including forward planning work, the preparation of the development plan and the provision of specialist advice, for example, in relation to environmental impact assessment. However, my Department has no information on the number, if any, of local authority planning departments who engage outside consultants to carry out the initial assessment of planning applications.
Question No. 158 taken with Question No. 149.
