An unsuccessful attempt was made to prevent organisations or individuals being charged for submissions or objections to planning applications. An Opposition amendment to the Planning and Development Bill was defeated by 21 votes to 17.
Seeking deletion of the fee provision, during the committee stage of the Bill, Mr David Norris (Ind) said that while the revenue generated for local authorities would be insignificant, many individuals could be inhibited from making objections. People in general, not just those with spare cash, should have this right.
Mr Joe Costello (Lab) said people should be encouraged to defend their rights. "You should be encouraging neighbours and residents' associations to make submissions about any development which would alter the streetscape, the landscape or the enjoyment of their area."
Mr Feargal Quinn (Ind) stressed the need to ensure that unnecessary impediments were not placed in the way of achieving the kind of infrastructure the State would need. Many water, road, electricity and communications projects had been subjected to frivolous objections by "small" objectors who did not have the good of the State or of their fellow citizens at heart.
Dr Maurice Hayes (Ind) said it was odd that if he wanted to write a letter to a planning authority he should have to pay for doing so. Like Senator Costello, he believed people should be encouraged to participate in the planning process.
Ms Madeleine Taylor-Quinn (FG) said a considerable number of planning applications had been delayed because of objections and submissions. People from hundreds of miles away could make objections about something happening in a place they had never set foot in.
The Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Mr Dempsey, said the kind of fee involved would not take away anyone's democratic rights. At present people were charged for seeking planning permission, he pointed out.