Staffing levels impacting on planning decisions from An Bord Pleanála says Kildare TD

Fianna Fáil TD for South Kildare, Fiona O’Loughlin has obtained data which reveals there has been a reduction of over 10% in the number of staff in An Bord Pleanála since 2008.

This has occurred despite the fact that according to their latest report, the body’s work load has grown by 19% year on year since 2016.

Deputy O’Loughlin commented, “At a time when housing is so urgently needed, facilitating development projects should be a priority but instead there are very clear signs of serious blockages in planning. A decision was due in September on the Barrow Blueway and a decision has not yet been released. The Blueway is fantastic for tourism and as a local amenity for Kildare- a decision is key to this."

“Numerous builders have also raised their concerns with me regarding undue delays in An Bord Pleanála reaching a decision on proposed new housing developments. The statutory body has a legal obligation to reach a decision within a set timeframe but the rate of completion within that specified time has gone from 79% to 64% in 2016 to 2017. It’s now the case that the average completion time has risen by another 2 weeks from 15 weeks to 17 weeks. As more and more decisions are being drawn out with requests for further information, these targets seem to be slipping. The end result is that it is taking exceptionally long to get a final decision on a housing proposal which in turn costs more and takes longer to build badly needed homes and tourist attractions etc," he said.

Deputy O’Loughlin concluded, “I am calling on the Minister to boost the resources available to An Bord Pleanála and ensure local authorities are adequately equipped to carry out their planning duties.”