Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, An Bord Pleanála is independent in its functions, but of course that does not put it beyond the reach of accountability. It has to be accountable. I cannot give the Deputy a figure on the number of planning permissions that might be overturned in the Irish courts, nor would it be possible for anyone to estimate that. Of course, any overturning of a planning decision by a court of law is a serious matter. To be honest, there have been too many instances, in particular, relating to SHD decisions by An Bord Pleanála, that have been overturned in the courts, presumably on very good legal grounds. We need to have a planning system that is more robust, where the final destination for the outcome of planning matters is in our planning bodies rather than in the courts of law. As the Deputy is aware, there is a substantive piece of work under way which is nearing completion now, whereby a new consolidated planning Bill will be brought forward by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage very shortly. We believe that that will significantly streamline and make the system more efficient. It will reduce the legal risk of planning decisions being overturned in a court of law. I will not comment on allegations that are being made by others. As the Deputy knows, an internal review is under way into particular allegations that have been made and specific decisions that certain parties were party to within An Bord Pleanála. I cannot comment on those.

See this speech in context