Lengthy delays in securing planning permission from An Bord Pleanála could scupper the City Council’s social and affordable housing targets in 2023.

That’s what a meeting of the Local Authority was told this week where it was revealed that the national planning authority was taking in excess of 18 months to deal with some planning applications – and could give no timeline for any new applications being made.

On foot of a question from Cllr Alan Cheevers (FF), Director of Services for Housing Capital, Patricia Philbin, said she remained confident they would “exceed targets” in 2023, but said there were concerns about delays securing planning permission.

“We do expect to meet our targets,” said Ms Philbin, with the caveat that delays in processing applications to An Bord Pleanála were “a concern”.

She said it was the Council’s intention to pursue additional “turn-key” developments in the New Year – whereby the Council purchases completed properties developed privately.

This was to “over plan,” said Ms Philbin, should there be any further shortfall on their own new-build targets.

This follows the revelation last month that City Hall would hit just 60% of their target for social housing in 2022 – falling well short of the 265 units that had been promised to meet the requirements of over 4,300 households on the housing list.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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