Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
399. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health her views on whether the strategic infrastructure development planning process needs to be reformed; her views on whether the HSE should be able to submit planning applications directly to local authorities for hospital developments of over 100 beds; if the new planning and development Bill, when enacted, will address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14807/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is of utmost importance that we progress and deliver required health infrastructure, including hospital beds, in a manner in which timeliness of delivery and value for money is paramount. This includes consideration and engagement on opportunities to reform provisions and processes in the statutory planning process.
Officials in my Department have engaged with the HSE on the correct application planning process in-patient bed developments in the context of the Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan 2024–2031.
In this engagement it was noted that a particular interpretation of clause 4 of the Seventh Schedule to the Planning and Development Act 2000 (No. 30 of 2000) (the "2000 Act") could lead to delays in obtaining planning approval for proposals due to the potential perception of a need by Local Authorities to refer in-patient bed capacity proposals to An Board Pleanála on the basis of the proposed works could constitute Strategic Infrastructure Development under the 2000 Act.
In 2024, clarification was sought on this area from the Attorney General in order to maximise the delivery of developments on a hospital campus in parallel. It was queried whether the Strategic Infrastructure Development process under the 2000 Act applies if two developments of less than 100 beds at a given location are proposed that are cumulatively greater than 100 beds. The Attorney noted that, for example, a development consisting of 96 beds falls below the threshold of 100 beds set out in the Seventh Schedule. The Attorney was clear that, if there is a subsequent proposal for 96 beds at the same location, this is a separate development which does not fall within the Seventh Schedule merely by reason of the existence of the first development.
I and my officials continue to explore opportunities to streamline and speed the planning and delivery of health infrastructure projects, including engaging on the statutory planning process with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and officials in his Department.
