The problems in An Bord Pleanála extend much further than allegations concerning just one board member
A new report into further planning issues at An Bord Pleanála must be published in full and identify those involved in breaches of procedure, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan was commenting after the Irish Examiner published details of the leaked report which confirms further serious issues in the planning authority’s decision-making processes.
“According to the Irish Examiner, an internal review by An Bord Pleanála has confirmed board members made decisions in cases in which they knew the applicant or appellant; made decisions on cases in their local areas; and inspectors’ reports were regularly changed after interventions from board members.
“It has also been confirmed that planning for major Strategic Housing Development (SHD) schemes was decided by two-person boards while files for complex SHD schemes were not routinely assigned to senior board members.
“Clearly, the problems in An Bord Pleanála extend much further than allegations concerning just one board member, who has now left the authority. This report confirms that other board members are now embroiled in similar controversies about their decision making – and the public has a right to know who those board members are.
“It is not acceptable that this report has yet to be published and we are relying on leaks to the media to ascertain the scale of the problems within An Bord Pleanála. The Minister must now publish this report in full – and ensure that those involved in these breaches are identified in the report.
“Public confidence in An Bord Pleanála must be restored, but in order for that to happen we must have full transparency and full accountability.”
24 October, 2022
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