Derogation of Part 8 planning process a ‘dangerous precedent’, say cllrs

South Dublin County Council’s decision to invoke a derogation of the Part 8 planning process, sets a “dangerous precedent,” according to Sinn Fein councillors.

At this month’s council meeting, the local authority revealed to councillors that it intended on by-passing the normal planning process to approve 10 housing projects.

Last December, the Government introduced an amendment to the Planning and Regulation Leglislation 2001 which allows the councils to not consult with the public on planning applications to speed up the delivery of housing.

However, according to Sinn Fein councillor William Carey, the derogation of the Part 8 process will not impact delivery time but will “deny councillors their limited powers to affect planning and building in their local authority area.

“The implication of this action is a blow to local democracy and could have future permanent consequences for the future of the planning process, he said.

“We all want a speedier process and less bureaucracy, but this derogation will not have any serious impact on the delivery of these projects.

“Rather, it will simply deny the right of councillors to approve of housing developments within the council’s jurisdiction.”

The 10 developments that will be the subject of the exemption will be Rossfield, Deansrath, Owendoher Haven, Alpine Heights, Sarsfield Park, Stocking Lane, Oldcastle Park, Castlefield, Kishogue Park, and Kilcarbery.

The proposed tenure mix of the schemes range from social homes, affordable homes, Traveller accommodation, and age friendly homes.

South Dublin County Council said in its report that under the exemption there is “no provision for public participation” and councillors will be informed before a site notice is erected.

Carey said that delays in housing delivery “cannot be attributed to the democratic process being undertaken by councillors.

“The derogation will shorten the official timeline for approval from 20 weeks to eight but the real time delays have always been in the administrative blockage between the councils and the relevant government departments controlling the purse strings.

“The recent news that there was an underspend of over €1bn by the Department in the delivery of housing projects had nothing to do with the Part 8 process.”