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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 09, 2026

QUESTION NO. 4

QUESTION: Councillor L. de Courcy

To ask the Chief Executive what weight is given to objections submitted by members of the public to planning applications where it is clear from the volume of objections that the proposed development is largely unwelcome in the area and to explain why these objections may be disregarded.

REPLY:

The Planning Authority does not disregard submissions or observations made by members of the public. In determining a planning application, the Planning Authority is required, under Section 34(3) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), to have regard to all written submissions and observations received. All submissions are considered, the planning issues raised are summarised in the Chief Executives Order, and matters that are relevant to the assessment of the application are addressed as part of the decision-making process.

In accordance with Section 34(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Planning Authority must base its decision on the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard, inter alia, to the provisions of the Development Plan, ministerial guidelines issued under Section 28, relevant environmental designations, Government policy and other relevant statutory considerations. In this context, the number or volume of objections received, or the extent of local opposition, is not of itself a determining factor. Submissions are assessed on the basis of the material planning considerations raised, and matters that do not relate to planning and sustainable development cannot be afforded determining weight in the decision on a planning application.