Minister Murphy: Public participation period in planning returns to normal
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Published on
Last updated on
From today, Monday 25 May 2020, the normal periods for public participation processes for planning applications under the Planning and Development Acts will apply to new applications.
In making the decision not to extend recent planning orders Minister Murphy considered the following:
In this context the department has worked with local authorities and An Bord Pleanála to confirm that the following supplementary measures will be put in place to ensure effective public participation after 23 May 2020:
Minister Murphy said:
"I want to thank the staff of planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála for having progressed as much work as possible through the planning system during the past 8 weeks when public participation periods were extended by Government Order. Decisions requiring public participation can now advance, aided by enhanced communication measures, including online publication of planning applications and opening of public offices for planning purposes. This will happen in accordance with public health guidance, which may involve appointment-based access, from this Monday 25 May 2020. Such measures will continue to support the integrity of the planning system by ensuring that public participation in the process is not diminished while, at the same time, securing the role of the planning system in the post COVID-19 economic recovery."
An updated document is available on the department’s website providing information on the new post-Section 251A working arrangements from 25 May 2020.
Further information: Resumption of Statutory Planning timelines further to the expiry, on 23rd May 2020, of Orders made under Section 251A
ENDS