Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath is to introduce legislation in the Dáil to curtail the ability of An Taisce to make submissions on planning applications.
Deputy McGrath is accusing An Taisce of blocking rural development.
The proposed legislation aims to remove An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, as a “prescribed authority” under the Planning and Development Acts.
An Taisce is funded by the state and Deputy McGrath says it’s submissions on planning applications have delayed essential housing, agricultural advancements, and job creation initiatives and citied An Taisce challenging the Glanbia cheese plant in Kilkenny as an example – ultimately the cheese plant did get approval.
Deputy McGrath is also questioning the use of resources by An Taisce to take legal actions when it is largely funded by the State.
The Government is currently progressing extensive legislation to reform the planning system – this legislation may not be finalised before the next Election.
