COVID-19 PLANNING POWERS EXTENDED

The Minister for Planning has extended the declaration of the ongoing COVID-19 emergency as an applicable event under section 275F of the Planning Act (2016).

The extension will give the declaration effect until 31 October 2020. Previously, the declaration was due to expire on 20 June 2020.

Recent amendments to the Act allow for an ‘applicable event period’ to be declared, during which time the Minister can exercise new powers to direct extensions or suspension of relevant periods, temporary use licences, or declarations about hours of operation and movement of goods.

Twenty-eight temporary use licences have been granted since March to help with supply or service needs in response to the pandemic.

Further information on the applicable event powers, and the temporary use licences issued, can be found here.