An oral hearing is a public meeting about an An Bord Pleanála case that anyone can attend, although not everyone can participate in the discussion. The purpose of an oral hearing is to allow further discussion and examination of relevant issues that may arise in a case before An Bord Pleanála. It is not intended to be overly formal or legalistic.
The Board of An Bord Pleanála has the power to decide whether or not to hold an oral hearing in any case.
Oral hearings are generally held for:
- strategic infrastructure cases
- appeal cases which are complex or where significant national, regional or local issues arise
- compulsory purchase orders and related cases
- other case types when considered necessary.
Only in special circumstances will an oral hearing be held for strategic housing development (SHD) applications made directly to An Bord Pleanála.
Please note that oral hearings can take place online using Microsoft Teams. To find out how to attend a meeting or oral hearing via Microsoft Teams, please see our guidance page. |