An Bord Pleanála is to introduce a fee of €100,000 for developers who wish to apply for planning permission for any major infrastructural project.
The new charge has been condemned by the construction industry, but the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, described it as ‘vital’.
The fee, which comes into force on 10 December, will apply to all applications for strategic infrastructure developments such as incinerators and landfills.
The fee will be offset against any costs in determining the case and in certain circumstances there could be partial refund.
Approving the fee, Mr Gormley asserted it was vital that applicants seeking planning for big projects pay a fee that was commensurate with the quality of the service being provided.
However, the Construction Industry Federation said it was unfair for the State to advocate that the private sector undertake such projects but then try to pass on the planning costs.
Among the other changes introduced by An Bord Pleanála is an increase in the fee for members of the public who wish to appeal against ordinary planning decisions, its jumping from €210 to €220.
