Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

This is a very serious matter concerning An Bord Pleanála, not least because it ceased to be the planning appeals board regarding SHDs. It became the decision-maker on housing applications of 100 units or more, bypassing local authority development plans, in respect of which there is a statutory function and one in which the public is engaged. There is a serious loss of confidence in An Bord Pleanála. Confidence in its integrity and professionalism has been completely undermined. Will the terms of reference be wide enough to include other personnel if anything is identified? Will members’ interests be reviewed in the context of the terms of reference? When will we see them? What is the timeline for dealing with the matter? It was not An Bord Pleanála that sought to deliver on the SHDs; the function was given to it. Therefore, there is a responsibility on the Government to ensure the integrity of An Bord Pleanála is not undermined. There has been a really serious undermining of our planning system.

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