Local and national planning agencies should be replaced by a "one-stop-shop" to help speed up major building projects, the Institution of Engineers of Ireland (IEI) has said.
In a submission to the Government on the Critical Infrastructure Bill, which aims to overcome lengthy delays in roads, public transport, and utilities projects, the group called for public consultation to be "streamlined significantly" and for "spurious objectors" to be tackled.
It said a special division of the High Court should be set up to deal with all legal challenges to projects.
A one-stop-shop should also be established combining the current separate functions of the local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Health and Safety Authority, Government Departments and An Bord Pleanála.
Noting the World Competitiveness Yearbook last May ranked Ireland 28th of 29 countries for infrastructure development, IEI director general Mr Paddy Purcell said the present planning and regulatory process "is too convoluted and costly.
"It takes too long for major projects to get to construction, and the timescale and outcome are unpredictable."
The Institution said the new "approval body" should be able to permit modifications and improvements to approved projects without requiring submission of a new application. Both it and the High Court unit should be provided with "adequate technical and legal resources".
In addition, the State should be able to acquire land or property for critical infrastructure development at a "fair price" related to its market value prior to any inflation as a result of the project going ahead. With an eye to possible future metro or drainage projects, the institution said the State should also be able to gain access to and use land more than 10 metres below ground level without payment of compensation other than for loss of income or restoration.
"While recognising the absolute right of individuals and organisations to object to proposed projects, the system must ensure that spurious objections, objections motivated by narrow self-interest, i.e. 'not in my back yard', and objections guided by misinformed minority groups, do not delay vitally needed infrastructure," said the group, which represents more than 21,000 engineers across all disciplines, including those in the public service.
It cited for particular criticism the Glen of the Downs road project in Co Wicklow, of which the High Court allowed protesters a judicial review "despite being well outside the specified period and despite the applicants not having been previously involved in the process".
The action resulted in a considerable delay to the project, which is set to cost up to €90 million, nearly twice its original estimate.
Criticising delays of up to seven years in road developments, the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, has said the Bill would address issues such as compulsory purchase orders, land acquisition, property prices and other legal requirements.
