Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 20 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 4

Written Answers. - Planning Regulations.

Jack Wall

Ceist:

138 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the new regulations which have been implemented by the local authorities following the passing of the Planning and Development Act, 2000; if his attention has been drawn to the major costings to local authority members, to the general public and to architects' applicants and so on due to these changes; his plans to review these regulations following representations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14226/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

The Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, which were con sidered by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas, came into force on 11 March. The regulations were designed to ensure a streamlined and efficient planning system and have been generally welcomed by local authorities and practitioners. The increased fees to be paid by applicants and the new charge to be paid by persons who make a submission or observation on a planning application are necessary to cover the increased administrative burden on planning authorities in fulfilling their new obligations under the regulations.

Over the coming months my Department will keep the implementation of the new regulations under review to ensure that any transitional difficulties are resolved.