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Request an oral hearing on a planning appeal

An oral hearing is a public meeting to allow relevant issues in a case to be discussed and examined

What is an oral hearing?

An oral hearing is a public meeting to allow relevant issues in a case to be discussed and examined. Anyone can attend, but only participants who are taking part in the case can be involved in the discussion. An Bord Pleanála sometimes holds an oral hearing to help our inspector gather more information on a planning appeal case from participants. It is not formal or legal in design or practice.

 

When does An Bord Pleanála hold an oral hearing?

The Board normally decides to hold an oral hearing if it believes it would be helpful to understand a particularly complex case. Oral hearings can also be held where the Board considers there to be significant national, regional or local issues involved. The Board can decide to hold an oral hearing with or without someone requesting it.

 

Who can request a hearing?

Only the applicant, appellant or planning authority involved in the appeal can request an oral hearing.

 

How much time do I have to make an oral hearing request?

There are strict time limits on making an oral hearing request:

 

If you are making an appeal and also requesting an oral hearing,

your oral hearing request must be made within four weeks beginning on the date the planning authority made the decision

Example

If the planning authority makes a decision on Thursday 11 April,the last day we can receive your oral hearing request is Wednesday 8 May

 

If you have received a copy of an appeal or appeals and want to request an oral hearing,

you can request an oral hearing within four weeks from the date we sent you the copy of the last appeal.

Example

If we write to you with a copy of the last appeal on Wednesday 2 August, the last day for us to receive your oral hearing request will be Tuesday 29 August.


You can contact us if you want help to work out the last day for making your request. There are different rules about time limits between December 24 and January 1 (inclusive) which can affect the last date.
 

An Bord Pleanála cannot accept late requests.
It is your responsibility to make sure that we receive your oral hearing request within the required time limits.


Can I make an oral hearing request after I have made my appeal?

Yes, you can make an oral hearing request after you have sent or delivered your appeal. To make a request your appeal must be valid, and you must meet all the requirements for a valid request. Your oral hearing request must also be received within four weeks beginning on the date the planning authority made the decision.