Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
334. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the roll-out of a nationwide e-planning system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4409/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe e-Planning project providing for the establishment of the National Online Planning Portal and allowing for the online submission of planning applications, appeals, submissions and associated fees on a nationwide basis began its pilot phase on 22 December 2021 in Tipperary and Galway County Councils. The pilot is testing the ability of the local IT systems to accept planning applications online. This pilot testing phase is expected to conclude on 17 March 2022. The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), which is co-ordinating and managing the project on behalf of my Department, has received positive feedback from both the contracted consultants and the two local authorities concerned on the operation of the new system which has been positive to date.
After the pilot phase has been completed, it is intended that a phased roll-out of the system to all other planning authorities will take place over the remainder of 2022. Engagement with the next local authorities that it is proposed to link up to the National Online Planning Portal will begin over the coming weeks. Once fully rolled out, e-Planning will provide an online option for the public to engage with the planning system, in addition to the paper based system.
