Independent Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath has said he will introduce a bill in the Dáil today (Wednesday, September 25) to remove An Taisce as a ‘prescribed authority’ in planning legislation.
Prescribed authorities are bodies or agencies to which planning authorities can refer a planning application.
McGrath’s planned bill is called the Planning and Development (An Taisce) Bill 2024.
McGrath claimed that An Taisce “has consistently used its privileged status to obstruct vital rural development projects”.
“Its objections have delayed…agricultural advancements and job creation initiatives, harming our rural communities.
“This legislation is about empowering our rural communities and making it easier for people to build homes and create jobs without unnecessary interference,” McGrath added.
He claimed that the bill would “ensure a more equitable and balanced approach” to planning and development by reducing An Taisce’s ability to object to planning applications.
He cited the case of a cheese manufacturing plant in Co. Kilkenny, the development of which was delayed after An Taisce took the case to the Supreme Court after their objections to the development were rejected.
The Supreme Court also rejected the An Taisce case.
The sod was eventually turned on the facility at Belview – which is joint venture between Tirlán (then known as Glanbia Co-op) and Dutch company Royal A-Ware – in June 2022, two years after An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission.
The delays were caused by An Taisce objecting to the planning approval by An Bord Pleanála, and then taking the court route to overturn the approval.
“The delays caused significant setbacks for job creation and economic growth in the region. An Taisce’s actions in this case highlight its detrimental impact on rural development.
“We need to streamline the planning process and reduce bureaucratic delays that hinder progress,” McGrath said.
“An industry has now been created where judicial reviews are being taken against planning decisions, clogging up the courts and delaying much-needed infrastructure for years,” the Tipperary TD added.
“It is time to remove the undue influence of bodies like An Taisce and ensure that our planning process is fair, efficient, and conducive to the growth and development of rural Ireland,” he said.