FRANK O GALLACHOIR
Sir, - The Comptroller and Auditor General has pointed to discrepancies in the decision-making record of planning authorities.
Far-reaching changes to the local planning system were introduced on March 11th. We are, however, still getting negative feedback about the system.
1. Local Planning offices have a wide range of opening hours - e.g. South Dublin closes at 3.30pm, Waterford closes at 4pm while Kerry closes at 5pm.
2. Some authorities provide good facilities for examining files while others have hardly any. Cavan County Council does not even have a table to lay a map on.
3. Pre-application consultations are given greater priority under the new regime. For these to work, discussions must involve council staff of sufficient seniority and copies of the council's minutes must be made available.
4. There is a wide range of charges for copies of council decisions and planning reports e.g. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown charges €13.70 (minimum) while Dublin City gives them out free.
5. There is great disparity in the cost of development plans. They can range from being free of charge up to €286.
More than anything else, our clients claim the assessment of observations lodged on planning applications has not improved with the introduction of fees. There is still that mantra, "objection received and noted". Public participation must be given a real meaning, especially if it is paid for.
Prior to the report of the C&AG, the main media focus was on the extraordinary invalidity rate of applications under the new regime. It reached almost 95 per cent in some areas. That remains a major concern.
If the local authorities are setting the bar so high for architects and planning consultants, there should be more reciprocity. That could begin with:
1. Harmonising planning office opening hours and upgrading pre-application consultations.
2. Providing facilities for examining all public documents.
3. Standardising charges for copies of planning documents and development plans.
More than anything, however, submissions which are paid for must be fully considered and a record of that assessment open to public scrutiny. - Yours, etc.,
FRANK O GALLACHOIR, Planning consultant, Greystones, Co Wicklow. Dr DIARMUID O GRADA Planning consultant, Dublin 14.