Digitalisation Investment To Increase Efficiency In Planning Authority Services
The Planning Authority has invested around €3 million in digital transformation over the past five years as part of efforts to improve efficiency, modernise its operations and provide faster services to the public.
The investment was highlighted during a visit by Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Jonathan Attard to the Authority's offices in Marsa.
During the visit, the Minister met Executive Chairman Johann Buttigieg, Planning Board Chairman Emanuel Camilleri, senior officials and employees to discuss the Authority's ongoing work, future priorities and planned initiatives aimed at strengthening the quality of its services.
The investment has included the purchase of advanced technological equipment, including specialised computers and tools for collecting aerial and ground data.
Funding has also been directed towards strengthening the Authority's workforce through recruitment, apprenticeship schemes, specialised training and consultancy services.
Minister Attard was also shown how the Authority is incorporating artificial intelligence into different aspects of its operations. These systems are being used to simplify internal processes, improve the analysis of information and support more efficient service delivery.
According to figures released by the Authority, the number of pending development applications fell from 6,474 at the beginning of January 2025 to 3,972 by the end of the year, a reduction of 39%. The Authority said the improvement reflects continued investment in technology, digitalisation and innovation, together with efforts to reduce processing times.
Minister Attard said the progress achieved over the past year was largely due to the commitment of the Authority's employees, whose work helped improve application processing while reducing the backlog of pending cases.
He added that the government will continue implementing reforms in the planning sector while maintaining investment in technology, digitalisation and human resources. The aim, he said, is to provide more modern, transparent and citizen and business focused services.
In the coming weeks, the Planning Authority is expected to launch a new digital portal together with interactive mapping systems that will provide easier access to planning information.
Executive Chairman Johann Buttigieg said the Authority's work extends beyond processing applications and enforcement, with continued investment in digital transformation and artificial intelligence expected to provide more advanced tools for employees, professionals, investors and the wider public.
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