Planning board fails to clear appeals backlog

A backlog in processing planning appeals at An Bord Pleanála has resulted in just over half of cases being processed within the statutory time of 18 weeks for the first half of this year, the board has said.

Up to June 2006, the planning appeals board disposed of 56 per cent of its cases within 18 weeks. Its statutory objective is to process 90 per cent of applications within that time.

The percentage of cases being decided within the statutory time has fallen sharply. In 2004, 85 per cent of applications were dealt with within 4½ months and in 2005 the figure was 82 per cent.

The delays are attributed to "a strong increase" in the number of appeal cases.

The increase in appeals is caused by a general growth in planning applications to local authorities and not to an increase in the rate of appeal.

In 1995, the board processed 2,680 appeals, 98 per cent of which were dealt with within the statutory time. It expects to process approximately 6,000 appeals this year, around the same number as processed last year and up from 5,261 in 2004.

Diarmuid Collins, secretary of the board, said that the intake figures are very high by historical standards and reflect the continued strength of the building sector.

"The board accepts that the current situation is unsatisfactory as it falls short of its strategic objective to dispose of 90 per cent of cases within 18 weeks," he said. "The board regards this as a backlog that it is addressing."

He said the board is taking all possible measures to address the issue including increasing productivity, additional recruitment and overtime.

It has also hired planning consultants to ensure that a "serious backlog situation" does not recur, Mr Collins said.