Construction News

04/07/2025

Sinn Féin MLA Welcomes Faster Planning Application Processing Times

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed a marked improvement in the processing times for both local and major planning applications between April 2024 and March 2025.

New figures released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) and the Department for Infrastructure reveal a significant reduction in delays. Particularly, major planning applications recorded their fastest annual processing time since planning powers were devolved in 2015, down by 6.9 weeks compared to the previous year.

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"Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins is delivering important progress in reducing wait times for planning applications," said Mr Boylan, who sits on the Assembly's Infrastructure Committee.

"Ensuring our planning system is fit for purpose and able to process applications as quickly as possible is a top priority for the minister.

"These latest figures show that change is already underway.

"Sinn Féin will continue working to improve the planning system and ensure those wishing to build can get started without unnecessary delays."

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