An Bord Pleanála has rejected an attempt by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to use the new "fast-track" planning process to seek permission for three proposed airport developments.
The planning board has told the DAA that applications for a water reservoir, a boiler house and a car park do not qualify for consideration under the strategic infrastructure development legislation and has instructed the airport authority to make its planning applications to Fingal County Council.
The DAA had submitted proposals for the three projects to An Bord Pleanála last February. Consultations did take place between the board and the DAA in recent months.
However, the board has decided not to accept a direct planning application in relation to the developments.
All three projects are related to the development of the second terminal at Dublin airport which was granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanála last August.
The existing boiler house has to be removed because it is on the site of the new terminal, the new car park is needed to accommodate extra staff and the current water reservoir is on the proposed site of the metro stop, which will serve the redeveloped airport.
To qualify for fast-tracking, the project must be a major development of transport, energy or environmental infrastructure or a development of national or regional strategic, economic or social importance.
Projects also qualify if they cross county boundaries or if they are developments by State authorities requiring an environmental impact assessment.
Despite the relationship of the three DAA developments to the new terminal, An Bord Pleanála has taken the decision that they are not strategic infrastructure developments.
Ordinary applications made to local authorities which are then appealed to An Bord Pleanála often take several years before a decision on whether to grant planning permission is made.
Fees of €100,000 will be payable to An Bord Pleanála for each application made under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.
However, if the DAA had made its applications for the three projects to the board before December 10th, when the fee comes into force, it would not have had to pay any charge.
A spokeswoman for the DAA said yesterday that under the Act, it is obliged to consult An Bord Pleanála on whether any new development it intends to pursue constitutes strategic infrastructure. It would be inappropriate to comment on whether the DAA was disappointed in relation to the board's decision, she said.
The development of the three projects is now likely to take significantly longer than if the DAA had been permitted to use the fast-track route.
