Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank everyone for their contributions on this important matter.

Since its establishment in 1977, An Bord Pleanála has become an integral part of the Irish planning system, providing an independent, impartial and objective appeals process, in addition to numerous other functions. The immediate actions that have been taken in response the recent allegations, along with those being undertaken by the Office of the Planning Regulator and the board itself, are necessary steps to ensure restoration of the high level of public and institutional confidence the board has built up over its lifetime.

I recognise the vital public interest in the report from Mr. Remy Farrell, senior counsel, into the management of conflicts of interest and relevant disclosures by the deputy chairperson of An Bord Pleanála in relation to certain decisions of that board, and that the public must have trust in the impartiality and integrity of our planning system if it is to function effectively. I am confident the review being undertaken by the Office of the Planning Regulator into An Bord Pleanála’s system - I should point out that Mr. Conleth Bradley is an external worker in relation to this audit - and all the procedures will be significant in progressing the Board forward in terms of accountability, systems procedures and effectiveness. It is the intention of the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, and my intention that the outcome of this review will help inform other internal changes as required in An Bord Pleanála and will assist in identifying legislative amendments that may be required.

The reform of the appointment process for board members to the board of An Bord Pleanála is critical to ensure impartiality and transparency in the board and will restore confidence in An Bord Pleanála as the independent planning body that is foundational to the success of the planning system in Ireland. In addition, we are acutely aware of the need to ensure the board has the skills and resources to carry out these functions. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, indicated earlier that he intends to approve further substantial increase in staffing resources for An Bord Pleanála shortly, building on additional resources agreed in 2021, to ensure it is fully equipped to meet the demands of our planning system, including new functions it will take on as part of new marine planning arrangements.

With my own particular responsibility in the area of marine planning, I am acutely aware of the importance of the board having the skills and resources to deliver on this new function, but also of this role as a new modern marine planning regime. We are working hard to prepare the way forward for this new consenting regime, with an establishment team in place for the new maritime area regulatory authority, MARA, with the roles of chairperson and a number of board members advertised this week. With coastal local authorities, MARA and the board will play a fundamental role in this new area of planning, which has assumed an even greater priority in light of the energy crisis and the potential of the offshore renewable energy sector. This will build on and expand the skills within the board and, like the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, I commend the staff of the board who work on many key cases in challenging circumstances.

They continue to deal with a caseload of in excess of 3,000 cases annually and there is no doubt that, over time, the complexity of these cases has increased significantly. Making sure that the board is working as effectively as possible against this background is critical. Resourcing, learning and development and digitalisation all have a significant role to play, as do the measures that will continue to evolve in the coming months, both specifically in respect of the board, but also the major exercise under way as part of the planning review to streamline and clarify planning legislation.

I have been privileged to engage in a number of meetings with stakeholders as part of the planning advisory forum and have been struck by the commitment of stakeholders from many different perspectives to come to common views on the approach and a way forward in planning that increases the plan-led approach and improves public engagement and transparency. I am confident that this will set a new context for the board to operate and will ensure that the planning system works more effectively for all. My officials have engaged on several occasions with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage in constructive debates on all aspects of the planning system, from plan-making through consenting and enforcement. We look forward to continued engagement with the Oireachtas as part of the wider programme of planning reform.

As part of this process, maintaining trust and confidence in the planning system is of the utmost importance. The Government has sought to act openly, quickly and effectively in responding to the immediate problems, addressing underlying issues and maintaining a fully functioning planning system. The series of measures outlined by the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, which will evolve, will ensure fundamental change for the benefit of the entire planning system while maintaining its full and ongoing operation.

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