Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
451. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of planning applications that have been referred to An Coimisiún Pleanála under Schedule 7 of the 2000 Act; the number that were processed within the 18 week target; the number that were further subject to a High Court challenge; and the number that were successfully upheld, in the past five years. [27979/26]
View answerThe Seventh Schedule of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act) prescribes infrastructure developments for the purposes of sections 37A and 37B of the Act, for which planning applications in respect of projects referred to as Strategic Infrastructure Developments (SID) are made directly to An Bord Pleanala.
Regarding the specific query, I am informed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that they have nil such applications or referrals under Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in the past five years. While the OPW is often the lead agency for major state infrastructure, it is important to note that the Office frequently works in close cooperation and partnership with local authorities with regard to the design and progression of planning applications. This collaborative approach is common in the delivery of regional flood relief schemes.
