Council working on new e-portal to make planning system easier and more efficient

Meath Co Council is hopeful that it will soon be in a position to offer a digital system for customers to submit planning applications.

In a report to councillors the council chief executive Jackie Maguire said that the council is currently engaging with the Local Government Management Agency to progress the implementation of the national e-planning system.

Using the e-planning portal, people will be able to submit planning applications and lodge submissions on existing planning applications via the online platform. The council said the new system will have many benefits, including readily available information, a reduction in the use of paper and ink and quicker publishing and viewing of electronic files and automated email notifications to applicants or third parties using the online service.

Preparatory work and IT upgrades are already underway to be followed by engagement with planning agents, engineers, architects and technicians who will regularly interact with the council planning department and assist with the transition to electronic planning submissions.