Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
269. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage time taken for approval by an Bord Pleanála for large- and small-scale residential developments, respectively, in each local authority area; if staffing shortages are exacerbating delays; and if shortfalls in staffing numbers will be remedied in 2024. [8755/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Bord Pleanála (the Board) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
There are now more people working at the Board than at any time previously. Since October 2021, my Department has agreed to 117 new staffing posts in the Board. The Board has advised that as of 31 January 2024 there were 257 individuals working in the Board including Board Members. The Board received approval and sanction from my Department for a total of 313 posts to date.
Details in respect of case processing timelines for large and small scale residential developments and staffing and recruitment are an operational matter for An Bord Pleanála. Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
