Since 2011, there has been one investigation initiated under section 255 of the Planning and Development Acts and that investigation concluded in 2015.
The investigation referred to is the Independent Planning Review of The Performance of Planning Functions having regard to Specific Issues raised in respect of Six Planning Authorities. This investigation was undertaken by MacCabe Durney Barnes Consultants, who were appointed in February 2014 under section 255 to carry out an independent review of the performance of planning functions in respect of six planning authorities (Carlow, Cork, Galway and Meath County Councils and Cork and Dublin City Councils).
The Final Report by MacCabe Durney Barnes was submitted on 2 July 2015 and is published on my Department's website (http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/declg_response_to_independent_planning_review_report_december_2015.pdf). The Report outlines 29 recommendations in total, of which 21 recommendations relate to future planning practices across the planning system and a further 8 advisory recommendations in relation to specific issues in the six local authorities concerned. Following consideration of those recommendations by my Department, a response report was published on my Department's website in December 2015, responding to each of the recommendations including planned implementation.
There are no outstanding investigations under section 255 at this time.
