Dun Laoghaire-based Senator Victor Boyhan has welcomed the Government’s decision to publish the full text of the Maritime Area Planning Bill 2021 and accompanying Explanatory Memorandum today.

As previously reported today (Monday 16 August), the Bill seeks to put in place a comprehensive and coherent planning system for the entire maritime area.

Senator Boyhan, a former director of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, notes that the Bill provide for planning permissions to be administered by An Bord Pleanála and the Coastal Local Authorities.

“I will be seeking clarity and assurances on fees to make valid planning observations and submission to the planning process and the right to third-party appeals at a reasonable cost,” he said.

“No one should be locked out of the opportunity to appeal a planning decision — citizen engagement is an important part of any planning process and one I would greatly encourage.”