Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The crisis that has emerged with respect to the integrity of An Bord Pleanála at senior management level has thrown a shadow over the work of the entire organisation. It clearly demonstrates the procedures and safeguards that were in place were not only to prevent but also to detect serious conflicts of interest from emerging and it shows us these were far from robust. Thanks to the work of online reporting platform The Ditch, we are now in a position to be more informed about the nature of the crisis and the length of time such alleged conflicts of interest were being carried on. I will say no more on that particular aspect but I hope these issues can be resolved fairly and swiftly.

We need to have trust in the fairness and impartiality of the planning process. We also need a proper, functioning planning process, which we do not have. I have first-hand experience of that with Banagher Chilling in my constituency. It was a saga that went on for two years. I was informed in January 2021 than an inspector's report was to be ready and made available within the next two weeks. We did not get a decision until June 2022. There are serious questions hanging over the delays with Banagher Chilling. Why are these delays occurring? There is also the fact it could have jeopardised investment. If that is the carry-on of An Bord Pleanála I have no doubt it will jeopardise investment into this country.

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