Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
323. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will undertake a fundamental review of An Bord Pleanála to ensure that its decisions are made with good quality place making and democratic decision making in planning in view of the latest High Court decision against An Bord Pleanála with respect to the Dublin City Council material amendments to the Docklands SDZ. [54101/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to explain at the outset that, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is, or may be concerned.
Sections 50, 50A and 50B of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, codify the statutory right of judicial review of any decision of An Bord Pleanála. An Bord Pleanála takes full cognisance of any settled legal adjudication in relation to its decisions and seeks to apply any principles from those to its application of its statutory decision making role.
Section 3.2.4 of “Housing for All - A New Housing Plan for Ireland"sets out a number of objectives with the aim of improving the functioning of the planning system including the comprehensive review and consolidation of planning legislation. The review will also include a fitness check and upgrade of relevant provisions of planning law to ensure that it is more accessible and streamlined from a legal perspective.
This review, which is being led by the Attorney General, is due to be finalised by September 2022 to allow updated legislation to be enacted by December 2022.
