AQW 23301/22-27

Mr Peter McReynolds
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 25/02/2025
Answered On Date: 12/03/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the provisions made to support the timely delivery of Departures from Standard, given the increased number of applications.

Answer:

It is worth clarifying that there has not been a significant increase in the number of applications for Departures from Standard (DfS), although the workload in this area does change depending on the nature and complexity of projects and the quality of submissions.

To support the DfS process the Department has clear and structured application forms to ensure the provision of the information required. There is a specific branch identified as responsible for ultimate approval of DfS. We have moved to an electronical process to minimise the administrative burden of hard copy applications.

In addition, when we are dealing with multiple applications from an Engineering Consultant or developer, where possible, my Department works with the applicant to establish scheme priority for processing DfSs.