Mr. Dave Walsh:

It is not about geography. It is actually about connections and connected persons, for example, whether the person in question knows someone who is impacted by the case or is potentially involved in it. I grew up in north Dublin. My mother is still there. If a case involving her street or the street beside her came before us, I would not be involved because of the potential risk of conflict, but if it involved the other side of the parish where I knew no one and had not lived for 30 years, there would be no conflict in my own view. However, it comes down to making a judgment and a personal assessment by each person, be that an inspector or a board member.