Public back changes to planning system to allow for faster infrastructure delivery according to new research from Glenveagh

Fewer than one in ten believe planning process for infrastructure is fit for purpose - 71% believe the current planning process for critical infrastructure requires urgent and critical reform

New research conducted by Red C for Glenveagh shows the public believe Ireland’s critical infrastructure is poor, the planning system is not fit for purpose, and the system of Judicial Reviews (JRs) is used to delay critical infrastructure projects.

The research, carried out in October, has been published as the Government prepares to announce the report of the Taskforce on Accelerating Infrastructure and highlights the importance of reform to tackling the housing crisis and addressing bottlenecks to infrastructure delivery.

Amongst the key points of the findings are:

• 46% of people identify housing as the top priority for Government
• 59% of people rate Ireland’s critical infrastructure as either terrible or poor
• Almost half (48%) of people have low levels of trust in the planning process for large scale critical infrastructure
• Fewer than 1 in 10 believe the planning process for critical infrastructure is fit for purpose
• 74% are supportive of fast tracking decisions for strategic infrastructure projects
• A majority (54%) believe JRs are used often or always as a means of delaying critical projects
• 76% agree that critical infrastructure should be fast tracked through the system
• 71% believe the current planning process for critical infrastructure requires urgent and critical reform
• 70% believe there should be a limit to the number of objections an individual can bring
• 70% are supportive of costs being applicable to all parties, not just some
• Only 10% believe the Irish planning system is currently delivering decisions on housing/ and infrastructure in a timely manner

Commenting on the research, Glenveagh CEO Stephen Garvey said:

“These findings show the public is behind the Government’s efforts to reform the planning system and fast track infrastructure delivery. From housing to transport, water to energy, Ireland must now take the necessary steps to break down the barriers to progress, or risk further exacerbating huge economic and social problems.

Addressing the legislative planning environment is critical. We eagerly await the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce’s action plan, which will be key to unlocking rapid delivery. Prompt court decisions on critical schemes, such as the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, and the new apartment guidelines, are essential. Overall, the system of judicial reviews must be examined and action taken so the courts strike a fairer balance, with all parties at risk of incurring costs in addition to cases being progressed and decided uponquickly.And action is vital on the variation of local area plans by local authorities to zone more land for housing, as directed by the Minister for Housing.

In Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the Government has set ambitious targets of an average of 50,500 homes per year. I know as the CEO of Ireland’s largest homebuilder that by addressing the remaining barriers and ensuring all parts of the industry act together, workable solutions are possible and will translate into new homes for communities across Ireland.”