Introduction

Public participation in the planning process is an important and valuable element of the planning system. To facilitate the involvement of third parties, planning legislation gives the public the right to inspect and obtain copies of certain types of planning documents. However, the imposition of excessive charges for photocopying such documents can deter members of the public from participating fully. This may not only be unfair to the individuals concerned but it can also undermine public confidence in the openness and transparency of the planning system.

Over the past number of years I have received complaints from members of the public about the level of fees being charged by local authorities/planning authorities for photocopies of extracts from planning files. It has been apparent that there has been inconsistency across local authorities in the amounts being charged for photocopies and I have been concerned that the level of fees being charged by some local authorities appeared to be excessive. Where the procedures for making and processing planning applications is standard throughout the country, it seems to me that charges for copies of planning documents should be relatively uniform across all planning authorities. I highlighted the issue in my first Annual Report in 2003 and have referred to it in most of my subsequent annual reports. As I have continued to receive complaints about excessive charges, I have decided to carry out another review across local authorities and report on my findings.

In accordance with section 6(7) of the Ombudsman Act 1980, I am submitting this Report to each House of the Oireachtas.

Emily O’Reilly
Ombudsman