They still are informed of certain applications in high amenty areas and so on,
The planning law is the same for everyone so, if the local highlights an issue whereby the plannig law is being contravened then it will carry as much weight as an an taisce expert highlighting the same issue.
But obviously An Taisce are more familair with the planning law more than most as they are dealing them everyday so that gives them an edge in making successful appeals.
The word objection is not really a proper description of what An Taisce are doing when they make a submission or a comment on a planning application, that would suggest they are objecting to the person, in fact what they do is highlight areas where the Councils own planning laws or the natinal planing laws are not being adhered to in the common good.