What is going on with An Bord Pleanála? There is a race track at Limerick Junction, called Tipperary Racecourse, which is on the border with County Limerick where Deputy O'Donoghue is based. A €40 million investment plan has been put together by the board but an objection has been lodged. They have the funding and a design, and planning permission from the council. An objection was submitted to An Bord Pleanála almost two years ago and still there is no reply. This has been kicked down the road but Tipperary needs this. It is a wonderful investment that will be made in collaboration with some voluntary clubs in the area. This is vital infrastructure for sport and business in Tipperary and it needs to go ahead. We cannot possibly allow a situation where the board has to wait for two years for a decision from An Bord Pleanála. This is shambolic. The people are there with the energy to do this project. The funding is in place and the design and plans are ready. They want to go ahead and allow people to have the enjoyment of this fabulous racecourse.

Although I cannot comment on the individual planning appeal, I can address the issue of resources at An Bord Pleanála. The Government has significantly expanded those resources. We expect that will result in faster decisions, which we all want to see. At the end of 2022, 34 additional posts were sanctioned. In April this year, the board sought agreement for a total of 59 new posts, all of which were agreed by the Department. The board submitted sanction approval requests for these posts and that approval has been given by the Department. At the end of October, 249 people were working in the board, including board members. It is intended that more than 300 people will be employed by An Bord Pleanála when all the approved posts are filled. This will represent in excess of 50% of an increase in the overall agreed staffing at the board since 2021 and we expect it will result in decisions being made in a more time-efficient manner.

People are getting lost between the cracks.