Departmental Agencies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Ceisteanna (409)

James Bannon

Ceist:

484 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm or deny that a shortage of staff within an Bord Pleanála is having an impact on the planning decisions for the International Trade Hub planned in the midlands and Athlone, County Westmeath, by a Chinese company, which could create up to 9000 jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21799/12]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O’Sullivan): My Department has no knowledge of any such delay. Under section 126 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010, it is a statutory objective of An Bord Pleanála to determine appeals and certain other matters within 18 weeks. The statutory objective period was achieved in 81% of all cases in 2011, a significant increase on the figure of 63% achieved for 2010.