Internet access to planning applications now available

YOU can now use the internet to view planning application details in the Cavan County Council area and associated maps from 2000 to the present day, using gPlan. 'This represents a step forward for the citizens of Cavan,' said the cathaoirleach Cllr. Charlie Boylan at the last council meeting. 'People want to know details of planning applications for many different reasons,' added Paddy Connaughton, Planning section senior executive officer. 'We get a huge number of enquiries at our desk and by phone on this issue,' he said. gPlan is an internet geographical information system that enables the public to view the location and details of planning applications via a map. It links into the current EPlan system on the council website, which allows you view the details of each application. The GIS combines information from the planning database with online maps from the Ordinance Survey. It contains all planning applications from the year 2000 to the present and is updated nightly. gPlan can be accessed at cavancoco.ie under the planning section. Select gPlan - Online Map Search. A new window will open with the gPlan application. It facilitates searching by townland, planning application number, applicant name, due date or received date. There are six zoom levels with maps ranging from discovery mapping to aerial photography. You can see details such as the conditions by clicking on the file number. County manager, Jack Keyes, is urging people to try the new system. 'gPlan allows the public to quickly search the planning database from home, which will greatly reduce the need for the public to come into the Planning Office for simple planning enquiries. It"s one further step towards improving the range and quality of services provided to the public by Cavan County Council,' he concluded.