Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 September 2021
336. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is considering within the planning appeals system to curb the challenges of serial objectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46105/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic participation is one of the key principles of the planning system in Ireland, and reflects the important principles set out in the Aarhus convention. In accordance with Article 29 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations), any person or body, on payment of the prescribed fee, may make a submission or observation in writing to a planning authority in relation to a planning application within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
Under Section 37 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act) an applicant for permission and any person who made submissions or observations in writing in relation to the planning application to the planning authority in accordance with the permission regulations and on payment of the appropriate fee, may, at any time before the expiration of the appropriate period, appeal to the Board against a decision of a planning authority under section 34 of the Act.
It is a matter for the Courts to decide whether to grant leave for Judicial Review in planning cases in accordance with sections 50 and 50A of the Act. While respecting the system of public participation, the Government is planning legislative change to reform judicial review in the planning domain, and also introduce and establish a new division of the High Court to deal with planning and environmental cases. In addition, the Government’s Housing for All Plan has committed to a review of planning legislation to ensure it is more accessible and streamlined. These reforms, together with increasing digitalisation, will improve the functioning of the planning regime.
