Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I refer to scenarios where somebody objects to a proposal, it continues with a referral to the board, the board makes its consideration, and the decision it makes is, in effect, the ultimate in agreement with the person who made the objection. In other words, the person objects to a development, that objection is dismissed by relevant authority - the county council - it is referred to the board, and the board disagrees with the planning authority and agrees with the person who referred it. That is all fine, it happens, and it is no problem. Has it ever happened that the actual person who is taking this to the board, where a decision has been made, in whole or in part, does not actually exist? Would that not mean that this decision is in some way in jeopardy or in some way corrupted? I use these words loosely because I cannot think of any other words, and I mean that in generic terms rather than with a personal orientation.

I ask the Chair to follow my logic. Somebody objects to a proposal or a development, which is their entitlement. The local authority then passes the development. The person objecting takes it to An Bord Pleanála which reverses the planning authority’s decision, partly or fully based on the fact this person referred it to the board. This person does not exist, however. What happens then? Has Mr. Walsh ever heard of any situation like this in any way, shape or form?