O'Riordan v An Bord Pleanala (Approved) (Rev1)

1.������ At a board meeting held on 25th August, 2020, An Bord Plean�la decided to grant planning permission to the notice parties for the construction of 324 apartments in three blocks, an 81 bedroom aparthotel, a cr�che, a caf�/restaurant/retail unit and associated development to the northeast of the Omni Park Shopping Centre in Dublin 9.� That outcome was embodied in a board decision dated 1st September, 2020, and the formal grant of permission was made by order of the board on 3rd September, 2020.

2.������ A letter was issued to the applicant (who had been an objector) on 4th September, 2020, informing him of the decision.� That was received on 7th September, 2020.� The letter notified the applicant of the eight-week period to bring an application for judicial review.�

3.������ The applicant first endeavoured to make the application for leave to seek judicial review on 30th October, 2020 by contacting the Courts Service to seek to lodge papers.� Ultimately a statement of grounds was filed on 2nd November, 2020 and the matter was listed before Meenan J. on 16th November, 2020, was adjourned for a week, and was ultimately transferred to the Commercial Planning and Strategic Infrastructure Development List on 26th November, 2020.� On the latter date I ordered that leave would be on notice including to the (at that stage proposed) notice parties.

4.������ On the adjourned date of 10th December, 2020, I formally joined the notice parties and directed the applicant to serve a motion under s. 50A(2)(c) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 seeking leave on notice as well as seeking an extension of time together with an amended statement of grounds and supporting affidavit.� The motion was not issued, but no point is actually taken on that.

5.������ On the adjourned date of 21st December, 2020, I heard the application for an extension of time.� I have received helpful submissions from the applicant Mr. Steven O�Riordan, pro se, from Ms. Aoife Carroll B.L. for the board and from Mr. Brian Foley S.C. (with Mr. Jarlath Ryan B.L.) for the notice parties.� Having heard the matter, I informed the parties of the order being made and indicated that reasons would be given later.