19th November 2001

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY URGES MINISTER TO DROP PROPOSED CONTROVERSIAL PLANNING REGULATIONS

The Green Party has urged the Minister for the Environment Noel Dempsey T.D. to drop his plans to limit the making of Planning Appeals to those who made observations to the Planning Authorities in the first instance. The changes will be contained within new Planning Regulations that are due to be issued early next year.

“This is a draconian attempt to limit the rights of those with legitimate concerns,” stated Councillor Ciarán Cuffe, the Green Party’s Planning Spokesperson. “In many cases people are not aware of the Planning Application until the Planning Authority has made its decision. At that stage it will be too late for these individuals to have an input into the Planning Process. The Law currently allows vexatious or frivolous Appeals to be dismissed. I believe that this remedy can be used to ensure that unwarranted do not clog up the system.

“We are also concerned that the Minister may introduce a twenty euro charge of on those wishing too make an observation to the Planning Authority in the first instance. Again, this is anti-democratic and will make it difficult for those on limited means to have their voice heard.”

“Of course we all wish to see the planning process speeded up. However this should not be done at the expense of the public’s voice.

ENDS

Information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe, Planning Spokesperson   087 265 2075 or 618 3082

Stephen Rawson, Press Officer   087 235 7551 or 618 4088