A report into the conflict of interest concerns into An Bord Pleanala has been referred to Director of Public Prosecutions, An Garda Síochana and the Standards in Public Office.
Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien confirmed the referral today and said he has asked the DPP for advice on making the report public. A further report from the senior management team at ABP is still expected.
A number of actions are set to be undertaken by the Minister. They include an independent review of ABP, the creation of 24 more roles within the organisation and the complete overhaul of the appointment process for the planning body.
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Minister O’Brien said: “An Bord Pleanála stands at the apex of our planning system and plays a crucial role as the final arbiter of many planning applications. In this light, I treat any allegations of inappropriate actions or behaviour by its members with the utmost seriousness. The public must have trust in the impartiality and integrity of our planning system if it is to function effectively in facilitating sustainable development.
"Maintaining trust and confidence in our planning system is of the utmost importance and the series of measures which I have outlined, and which will evolve, will ensure fundamental change for the benefit of our entire planning system while maintaining its full on-going operation. I believe it is important that the report be published as soon as possible given the vital public interest in this matter, I have asked the DPP for her views on whether there are any parts of the report which should not be published at this time while the possibility of a criminal prosecution is under consideration. I will await her views before publishing the report."
Labour housing spokeswoman Rebecca Moynihan has called for the publication of the report in full. She said it is "absolutely critical" that the public have confidence in the planning process.
She said: "It’s clear that the independent report into An Bord Pleanála reveals deeper issues and they must be addressed. I’m calling on the Minister to publish the report in full immediately and convene an Oireachtas debate upon its return in September.
“Transparency and fairness are the bedrock to any democracy and trust in the planning system is completely vital, and the public must be satisfied that the Minister will outline specific actions to address any systems failings. Labour has a long and proud history of encouraging transparency in the planning process. The public simply must be able to trust in the bona fides of Ireland’s independent planning body.
“This debacle has been characterised by a lack of clarity and drip feed of allegations regarding An Bord Pleanála is deeply concerning and demands serious government attention. This is a matter of public interest and must be addressed without delay.”
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