Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
365. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to implement measures whereby planning applications for large housing developments will go directly to An Bord Pleanála rather than to the local authority in the first instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22573/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the course of preparing the Government’s “Action Plan for Housing”, many housing providers emphasised that the length of time taken to obtain planning permission on residentially zoned sites could be an issue to consider and address in the context of accelerating the delivery of housing.
In general, almost all larger housing applications tend to be appealed to An Bord Pleanála, meaning that in practical terms, planning for these crucial forms of development at the present time is a two-stage process as, whatever the local authority decision may be, it will most likely be appealed, which means that it can be up to 18-24 months between obtaining a site and securing final permission to start construction.
In light of the urgency of the housing situation at the current time and the need to streamline systems and procedures where possible without compromising proper planning or oversight, I have come to the view that, for a defined period of time and for large-scale developments, there should be a mechanism to fast-track residential applications by enabling housing providers to make applications directly to An Bord Pleanála.
I am conscious of the fact that the fast-tracked process must fully harness the local knowledge and problem-solving expertise of local authorities, which is why I intend that the legislation will also provide for mandatory pre-application consultation with the local authority concerned and public participation generally.
Further details of my proposals will be included in the Government’s “Action Plan on Housing”, and I will be finalising legislative proposals in this regard after publication of the Plan, at which time there will be the opportunity for full scrutiny of this important measure.
