Layout of the public areas

Reception desk

At reception desk, you can:

• Make appeals, applications, referrals and observations.
• Ask to speak to a staff member about a query you have on a case or have documentation checked if making an appeal, application, referral or observation.
• Make a request to view a decided case file.
• Ask to speak to the Access Officer.
• Ask for instructions if you have documents or items to deliver or have an appointment.

There is always at least one receptionist at the reception desk, and normally there are two receptionists. The desk is accessible for all customers who wish to speak to either receptionist, and a loop system is available for customers who may have problems with hearing.

A defibrillator, first aid and fire extinguishers are available near the reception desk.

Lobby area

In the lobby area there is:

• the information / publications stand with leaflets on topics such as:
  • How to make a planning appeal
  • How to make an observation
  • Fees
  • Corporate documents
• Computer area with three computers for searching planning information and our website. One computer is reserved for members of the public who have accessibility requirements.
• The entrance to the Maoilbhríde Conference Room. The Maoilbhríde Conference Room where oral hearings and other meetings are held. This Room is not open to the public unless invited or given permission by An Bord Pleanála staff to use.
• The entrance to the Parnell Room. The Parnell Room where meetings are held. This Room is not open to the public unless invited or given permission by An Bord Pleanála staff to use.

Maoilbhríde Conference Room

• This Room is not open to the public unless invited to attend an event such as a meeting or oral hearing, or if you have been given permission by An Bord Pleanála staff to use.
• If you are attending an event in this Room, you will need to be given access by an An Bord Pleanála staff member or security guards.
• If you are speaking at an event and wish to use a presentation or other display please contact the person who has invited you to the event or email bord@pleanala.ie.
• The Maoilbhríde conference Room has a podium that is height adjustable and accessible to all.
• On leaving the Room, at the door you will need to press a buzzer located on the right-hand side to unlock the doors. When unlocked walk straight ahead and you will be at the reception desk.
• Staff will guide you in the event of an emergency.

Parnell Room

• This Room is not open to the public unless invited or given permission by An Bord Pleanála staff to use.
• If you are attending an event in this Room, you will need to be given access by a member of An Bord Pleanála staff or security guards. When you enter the Room, there is gentle ramp going upwards immediately. The ramp area is indicated by yellow floor tiles.
• On leaving the Room the gentle ramp goes downwards towards the doors. The ramp area is indicated by yellow floor tiles.
• At the door you will need to press a buzzer located on the left-hand side to unlock the doors. Walk straight ahead to the next set of doors. Here you will need to press another buzzer to unlock the doors. You will then be in the lobby area of reception.
• Staff will guide you in the event of an emergency.

Seating area

• Seating area where you can wait for An Bord Pleanála staff.
• Models of current and recently decided cases may be on display.
• Table and chairs where you can sit and check documents you are going to give to An Bord Pleanála.
• You can also use the table and chairs to look at cases you have requested through our public access to cases service.

Cathal Brugha Room

• This Room is not open to the public unless invited to attend an event or given permission by An Bord Pleanála staff to use.
• If attending an event in the Cathal Brugha Room the door to this Room swings open. To enter you need to pull the door towards reception and enter through the widest part of the opening. To exit you need to push the door towards the reception and leave through the widest part of the opening.
• Staff will guide you in the event of an emergency.

Séan MacDiarmada Room

This Room is normally available for the general public to use and you do not require permission to use it if the door is open. This Room is quiet and has natural light. In this Room you can:

• Wait for An Bord Pleanála staff in a more relaxed area
• Discuss planning matters in private with staff
• Look at cases requested through the public access to decided cases service.

In the event of an emergency, you should leave the Room and proceed to the reception area and follow staff members or security guards' instructions.