Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022
342. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a review of all planning permissions granted by An Bord Pleanála under the strategic housing development provisions will be carried out following the finalisation of the review he commissioned in April 2022 into certain matters relevant to the planning board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51518/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Bord Pleanála ('the Board') is independent in the performance of its functions under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is specifically precluded from exercising power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned.
In the light of the media reports which raised a number of matters in relation to conflicts of interest and certain other matters, the Chairperson of the Board announced in May 2022 that he had established an internal team of senior management personnel to examine a sample of decided cases. The purpose of this internal review is to identify whether there are specific risks to compliance with the internal controls, systems and procedures under the Board’s relevant Statutory Framework and Code of Conduct and whether any other specific matter needs to be brought to the Chairperson’s attention.
The Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála has informed me that he will update me in respect of the outcome of the review and recommended actions, following consultation with the Board’s legal advisors after the internal review is finalised.
With regard to broader issues that have been raised in relation to the Board’s internal processes, on 24 August 2022 the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) initiated their review of An Bord Pleanála’s (ABP) systems and procedures as part of its reviews programme. The review, which is being undertaken by independent planning experts from other jurisdictions and Conleth Bradley S.C, is being carried out in two parts in line with the Terms of Reference which have been published on the OPR’s website. The first part was completed on 3rd October 2022 and has been published on the OPR’s website with the second part due by 30th November 2022.
This review will help inform other internal changes as required and will also assist in identifying legislative amendments which may be required. I have already published an Action Plan for An Bord Pleanála arising from the recommendations of Phase 1 of the OPR Review and the Government has agreed to the drafting of priority legislation to replace the existing system of nominating bodies with a process of open competition for the appointment of ordinary board members to An Bord Pleanála.
