A quick check of local newspapers will inform you the Planning Dept is also dealing with a number of issues of much greater significance such as windfarm policy, mining DAs, Coal Seam Gas, South Tralee, South West and North West growth centres. Hardly issues which can be "wrapped up" so the Dept can be "discontinued".
The more I read of your advice the more I am comforted the outcome will be better for residents.
None of those are part 3a development applications YOU GERIATRIC SIMPLETON. Get back to your ark building.