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SHD Applications (General Public): Making an observation

This page outlines how you can make a submission or observation to An Bord Pleanála on a strategic housing development application

Making a submission or observations to An Bord Pleanála

A member of the public can make a submission or observation to An Bord Pleanála in relation to a SHD application. Such a submission or observations must be made within 5 weeks of the date of receipt by An Bord Pleanála of the application. 

The fee for the making of a submission or observations is €20. If the submission or observations is made after the expiry of the 5-week period, or is not accompanied by the appropriate fee, it cannot be considered and will be returned along with the fee.  All valid submissions and observations received by An Bord Pleanála will be acknowledged in writing shortly after receipt. 

Any person may make a submission or observations on the SHD application to An Bord Pleanála relating to the implications of the proposed development, if carried out, for proper planning and sustainable development in the area, and the likely effects on the environment or the likely effects on a European site, as the case may be, of the proposed development.

As indicated in article 302 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Housing Development) Regulations 2017, the submission or observations must contain the name of the person or body making the submission or observations and, if applicable, the name of the person acting on behalf of that person or body. An address must also be provided to which any correspondence relating to the application should be sent. The subject matter, reasons, considerations and arguments on which the submission or observations is based should be clearly laid out. 
 

Therefore, in order to make a valid submission or observations to An Bord Pleanála a person must:

  • make their submission or observations in writing,
  • include the €20 fee,
  • state the name and address of the person making the submission or observations,
  • state the subject matter of the submission or observations,
  • state their reasons, considerations and arguments,
  • ensure that the submission or observation is received by An Bord Pleanála within the 5-week period.