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COVID-19

This page provides important information about An Bord Pleanála and COVID-19

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and An Bord Pleanála: Information

Level 5 Restrictions

Last Updated: 30 March 2021, 16:00

The Government List of Essential Services (as published by the Department of the Taoiseach on the 14 October 2020 and last updated on the 8 January 2021) under the heading "Public administration, emergency services and defence" lists specific statutory planning system activities, to the extent that they cannot be carried out remotely" as an essential service. An Bord Pleanála would come under this category.

Furthermore, Regulation 4(2)(z) of the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) Regulations 2020 S.I. No. 701 of 2020 (as amended by Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 S.I. No. 95 of 2021) provides that attendance at the offices of An Bord Pleanála to engage in a statutory planning process including making an appeal or observation or submission or inspecting a file constitutes a reasonable excuse for travelling in the context of Level 5 restrictions being in place. Part 2 of these Regulations also incorporates the Government List of Essential Services. These Regulations came into operation on the 31 December 2020.

Due to the current increased risk in relation to Covid-19 An Bord Pleanála's office has restricted access to the public.

Until further notice, members of the public should not attend the office unless it is considered absolutely necessary.

Those who need to visit our office to submit documentation must now drop off their 'post' in a drop box provided in the reception area close to the entrance door. Unfortunately, no checking of documentation will be provided or take place.

Our staff will not interact generally with members of the public in our reception area. However staff remain available by email and telephone during office hours for information and queries.

In the event that a member of the public needs to pay a fee by credit or debit card this will be facilitated.

We are operating the normal public hours of 9.15 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday (other than public holidays) and you can contact us during this period by email or telephone.

We encourage you to use the alternatives to visiting our office where possible. These alternatives include:

  • Sending documents to us by post or by courier for any case.
  • Sending an observation on a Strategic Housing Development Application online.