Cork planning applicants warned in-person meetings with officials will delay decisions

Applicants had complained that online meetings are drawing out the process meaning they have to pay more to their engineers and architects due to the extended timeframe

Cork County Council’s chief executive, Tim Lucey, said the planning department's resources are stretched due to a spike in applications in the last two years. Picture: Brian Lougheed

People hoping to build homes in Co. Cork will be able to have in-person meetings with council officials if they wish, but are being warned they will get a speedier decision if they meet officials online.

During the covid pandemic, Cork County Council moved all meetings between planning applicants and officials online. Following the ending of restrictions, the council has been slow to bring back in-person meetings.