21^st December 2022: The Irish Planning Institute (IPI), the all-island professional membership body for spatial planners, has today (21st December) noted the signing into law of the Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Bill 2022. The urgently required legislation addresses the appointment of the Board of An Bord Pleanála, increasing the number of Board members on a temporary basis pending new procedures next year, while also amending the definition of the foreshore and making changes to exempted development around housing on state lands. The IPI also notes the publication by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) of its report on the second phase of their review of An Bord Pleanála.

Gavin Lawlor, IPI Vice President said “The IPI welcomes the increase in the number of Board members under the Act. While significant reform of the planning system is proposed with a wider Bill in the New Year, a fully functioning and resourced An Bord Pleanála is urgently required so its significant caseload can be addressed in a rigorous and timely way, enabling us to keep on track for our ambitious housing, climate and other targets. As noted in the OPR’s report, An Bord Pleanála currently has approximately 600 cases ready for consideration by the Board.  To maximise efficiencies while ensuring robust decision making it is important that a 3 person quorum should be maintained for the majority of appeals to help the larger Board address this backlog.

Reflecting the need for transparency and confidence in the Board, the procedures for appointment of Board members by the Minister put in place under the Act must also be independent, objective, and transparent and ensure sufficient technical knowledge is reflected in future Board membership. The IPI is of the view that details of the Minister’s proposed appointment procedures are published quickly so as the appointment of Board members is not delayed. This will be critical to restoring confidence in Board membership.

Under this Act the Minister may appoint people with skillsets in a range of fields but the IPI regrets the exclusion of expertise in the Irish language which may be relevant. The Act provides an opportunity to provide greater diversity on the board, reflecting the changing nature of Irish society and to acknowledge the impact that the physical environment has on the quality of people’s lives.

Today’s OPR report emphasises the critical role of An Bord Pleanála and underlines the integrity and expert skills and professional judgement of the planning inspectors working in the Board. This report, taken with the first phase report, Government roadmap for An Bord Pleanála and the significant reform of the planning system proposed in the New Year, provides an opportunity to ensure the Board is better and more transparently organised and we look forward to engaging with our members on how these reforms proceed so we can make sure the Board and wider planning system are fit for purpose.”