Kerry County Council has committed to issuing pre-planning feedback to potential applicants in four weeks.
The update was provided at the recent council meeting, in response to Independent councillor Johnny Healy-Rae.
Cllr Johnny Healy-Rae asked the council to review the system for pre-planning meetings, and to introduce a set, realistic timeline for applicants and their agents.
He said the variance in this is huge.
Kerry County Council’s planning department provides a free, pre-planning consultation service.
Anyone intending to make a planning application can make use of this service, which involves discussing preliminary proposals with the area planner and getting feedback on any issues that may arise.
Cllr Healy-Rae said getting a pre-planning meeting can take months in some cases.
He said planning applications are now costing anywhere between €5,000 and €9,000 for one-off houses.
Kerry County Council’s response said it’s currently reviewing the process and system for dealing with pre-planning consultations, and will implement a four-week turnaround in terms of giving feedback to applicants on pre-planning submissions received.
Cllr Healy-Rae said he’d be delighted if the council could commit to a four, or even six-week turnaround to secure a pre-planning meeting, as the planners can provide very valuable information.
His motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil councillor Michael Leane, who said it’s gone to 11 to 13 weeks in some cases, and bringing that down to four weeks is very welcome.
