PRESS RELEASE

27 May 2010

ENV 11/09/10

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE PUTS PRESSURE ON
DEPARTMENT TO PLAN CAREFULLY

The Assembly Committee for the Environment today (Thursday 27 May) called on the Department of the Environment to make clear and detailed plans for the Planning Service before proceeding any further with redeploying Planning Service staff.

Committee Chairperson, Cathal Boylan MLA, said: “The Committee was very concerned to hear that the Department is proceeding with its redeployment of Planning Service staff without appropriate plans. It is essential the Department demonstrates how the Planning Service will continue to deliver on the ground with reduced staff before it proceeds any further. As a result the Committee has requested a detailed financial and resource plan before 2 July 2010.

“The Committee has also asked the Department to consider releasing funds due to the Planning Service, estimated at £4.8 million. Currently the funds are held by the Department until the Planning Service completes the necessary work on submitted planning applications. Obviously, releasing these funds early would have a significant and positive impact on the immediate financial burden facing the Planning Service.”

Ends

Committee Membership:
Mr. Cathal Boylan (Chairperson)
Mr. Patsy McGlone (Deputy Chair)
Mr. Roy Beggs
Mr. Jonathan Bell
Mr. John Dallat
Mr. Danny Kinahan
Mr. Ian McCrea
Mr. Daithi McKay
Mr. Alastair Ross
Mr. Peter Weir
Mr. Brian Wilson

Media enquiries to:
Jennifer Pleavin
Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 1606
Mobile : 07502 379339
Email: jennifer.pleavin@niassembly.gov.uk

Sinead Murphy
Deputy Communications Officer
Northern Ireland Assembly
Phone: 028 9052 5938
Mobile : 07899 864368
Email: sinead.murphy@niassembly.gov.uk