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1 June 2005

Greens warn Roche not to bypass democracy 

"It is crucial that communities are given an opportunity to make an input into decisions at a local level."

1 June 2005

Greens warn Roche not to bypass democracy

The Green Party has expressed concern that changes in the 2000 Planning and Development Act will reduce democratic input into planning decisions.

Green Party Environment spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD stated:

“Minister Roche wishes to undermine the rights of communities to have a democratic input into planning decisions at a local level. He intends to grant greater powers to Board Pleanála managers who are unelected officials.

“For the last thirty years there has been a clear division between An Bord Pleanála and Planning Authorities at a local level. Since its establishment in 1976, An Bord Pleanála has been a stand-alone authority. Its role has been to reconsider decisions of the Local Authority, and this proposal will compromise the Board’s independence. Bringing in the Board at an earlier stage could also put undue pressure on local Councils to comply with the wishes of the Board.

"Major projects that will change the face of Ireland for generations to come should be carefully considered. It is crucial that communities are given an opportunity to make an input into decisions at a local level. Bord Pleanála’s fees are high, and it will be difficult for ordinary citizens to represent themselves unless they have professional advisors.

"In the last three years this Government has systematically reduced the powers of local communities and Councils into the planning process. This Government is responsible for:

-Imposing a €20 fee on members of the public who wish to make               observations on Planning Applications;

-Diluting the powers of Local Authorities to compel Developers to contribute to Social and Affordable Housing through Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000;

-Sidelining the views of the National Museum in decisions regarding archaeology, and allowing the M3 to pass through the Tara Skreen Valley;

-Removing the power of local Councils to make Waste Management Plans, thus paving the way for incinerators;

-and now the Bypassing of Planning Authorities’ input into Planning Decisions.

"The changes that Minister Roche is proposing today are part of a disturbing trend to further centralise power into the hands of an elite.

"Most planning delays are due to an inability of central government to make decisions; mediocre planning applications; and land owners’ objections. Today’s proposals will do little to address these issues and will damage democracy at a local level."