Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to follow through on this because this is a point about which I am aware. This is where my determination to ensure An Bord Pleanála is changed for the better is exemplified. I do not think An Bord Pleanála can or should in any way, shape or form take an application unless it is verified. The stage after involves taking the decision to another level, which is the courts. That is not fair. In fact, it is disproportionate because the applicant has done everything right. A legislative change should be introduced to ensure an objector is verified. I accept it could be graded according to the scale of the development from individual houses up. However, for medium and large-scale developments, there should be some process like I have suggested. In my view, there have been fictitious appeals that have gone all the way to the board. The board’s consideration of decisions has happened based on people who did not exist. That is not acceptable. It is not a good enough answer to say the applicant can resort to the courts.