Kells Electoral Area
Wednesday, 11th February 2009
                                                                                       

Cllr Brian Collins, Cathaoirleach of Kells Town Council and a candidate for Labour in the County Council Elections has said that An Bord Pleanála delays are literally costing the state tens of thousands of jobs and millions in lost revenue. 

“During the boom years the waiting period with An Bord Pleanála grew to almost two years.  Despite the economic downturn the Bord is still floundering about spending ridiculous amounts of time trying to reach decisions.  The effects of this is that millions in investment is been held up as the Bord deliberates endlessly.  The County Council can turn around a planning permission in a fairly short timeframe if there is no need for further information.  An Bord Pleanála is expected to check this, already processed, application and make sure everything is above board and in accordance with the various levels of planning guidelines and laws.  I cannot understand why they have to spend between one and two years deliberating on a case.”

“I have spoken to a number of business people and investors who are so worried about the effects of these lengthy delays that they are unwilling to go down that route.  The delay is so long that few can risk rejection so they have to spend a fortune  That capital can be tied up for such a long period of time as construction workers sit at home while the Bord fumbles about is reprehensible.  I am not calling for wholesale approvals to be handed out carte blanch.  I am simply asking that the Bord realize that they are contributing to a strangulation of what’s left in the construction industry.” 

“Mr. Justice Kelly and the Commercial Courts can process a highly complex company law or business case in under 6 weeks.  This is done in recognition that holding up business, keeps money out of circulation and can lead to the destruction of enterprise and jobs.  The time has come for action by the Bord to reduce the turnaround time for cases before it.  Clear targets need to be established.  The Bord should increase its sitting times.  It should, to help the economy, be prepared to work on weekends and if necessary around the clock to clear the backlog.  It should move all employment rich schemes to the front of the queue.  It should act as if there is a jobs and financial crises in this country.