An Bord Pleanála, Ireland’s primary planning authority, has made significant progress in reducing its backlog of cases, according to Ministers Alan Dillon and Darragh O’Brien. By the end of November 2024, the number of cases on hand had fallen to 1,609, a 37% reduction from 2,546 in November 2023. Over the same period, 3,464 cases were resolved, representing a 13% increase in throughput compared to 2023.
According to the two ministers, the progress follows increased funding, staffing, and additional appointments to the Board, measures introduced to address operational challenges stemming from 2022.
Increased efficiency
Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Alan Dillon described the reduction in pending cases as a “welcome achievement”. He attributed the improvement to additional resources provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
“The Board’s ability to deliver timely and fair decisions is critical for Ireland’s planning system, economic growth, and housing supply,” Dillon said. He added that the reduction positions An Bord Pleanála to meet future challenges, particularly with the implementation of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
Housing prioritisation
The Board also adhered to statutory timelines for processing Large Scale Residential Developments (LRDs), which replaced the Strategic Housing Development process in 2022. By November 2024, 74 LRD cases had been resolved, with all decisions delivered within the required 16-week timeframe.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien acknowledged the progress, stating: “The progress shown in reducing the backlog of cases on hand demonstrates the hard work ongoing within the organisation. I have no doubt that this trend will carry on into 2025”.
Reforms underway
The progress comes as An Bord Pleanála prepares for a major structural overhaul under the Planning and Development Act 2024. The new legislation will rename the organisation as An Coimisiún Pleanála and introduce distinct roles for Planning Commissioners who will be responsible for all decision-making regarding appeals and applications made and they will be overseen by a newly-created position of Chief Planning Commissioner; a Governing Board, which will be responsible for the performance and oversight of the organisation; and an Executive and Inspectorate which will undertake and support organisational and operational functions and will be overseen by a Chief Executive Officer.
According to the Department, recruitment for Governing Board members began in October 2023. Ten candidates have now been appointed as full term Board members by the Minister, with a full complement of 15 full term board members to be in place from January 2025.
Resourcing
In a statement to the Roscommon People, a Department spokesperson said that staffing levels at An Bord Pleanála have grown significantly, with 290 employees (including board members) as of November 2024, representing a 50% increase since 2021. Additionally, the Department has approved 117 additional posts.
The Government anticipates that the structural and operational changes will help An Bord Pleanála maintain more manageable workloads and improve the efficiency of Ireland’s planning system.
