Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2017
283. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the extent to which planning procedures can be expedited to facilitate the building of extra local authority houses with particular reference to the need to make an impact on the numbers on local authority waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45480/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the planning process, the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 amended section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, relating to the arrangements for approval by local authorities of their own development proposals, often referred to as the Part 8 process, to provide for greater clarity around timelines associated with the various steps in the process. This amendment required a supporting amendment to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, which was provided for in the Planning and Development (Strategic Housing Development) Regulations 2017.
Under the new arrangements, which came into operation from 3 July 2017, the maximum timeframe for the determination of local authority own development proposals is 20 weeks from the date of issue of the proposals for public consultation by the Chief Executive, whereas previously there was no maximum timeframe.
These reforms provide greater certainty around the timeframes for such proposals, including proposals for social housing projects and infrastructure servicing both public and private development.
