New planning system to give people a voice

People who have issues with planning will now be able to have their voices heard.

The Department of Infrastructure is changing the way planning committee meetings are run – introducing a ‘public speaking scheme’.

The changes mean the public will be able to address the meetings in person.

It’s in an effort to make the process more open – at present meetings are open to the public however only written comments are considered.

Director of planning and building control Michael Galllagher told us what the changes mean: