The Green Party has called on the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government Eoghan Murphy TD to act over planning delays in infrastructure projects.Green Party Dublin Spokesperson Councillor Ciarán Cuffe said : “An Bord Pleanála stated in their annual report last week that only 67 percent of appeal decisions were made within the statutory target. This is unacceptable and the Minister must act to make appointments to fill any vacancies in the Board’s workforce. The Board’s strategic plan, published last August, stated that the Board would drive the ‘highest standards in timely decision making and service to the public.’ Long delays on key projects such as the Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone and the College Green Plaza are unacceptable. Only 35 percent of decisions were made in the statutory period.“Just this morning we hear of yet another delay in the College Green Plaza case which has been delayed on three previous occasions. The Board is a quasi-judicial body. Justice delayed is justice denied and it is unacceptable that much-needed projects are facing lengthy backlogs that should have been foreseen and addressed.“Minister Murphy must ensure that all staff vacancies are filled and ensure that key housing and other projects are not unduly delayed by a lack of capacity within Bord Pleanála.”ENDSIssued and uploaded 5th October 2018