September 15, 2022
Time for a fresh start at An Bord Pleanála – Eoin Ó Broin TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has said that it is time for a fresh start at An Bord Pleanála. 

During today’s Dáil debate on the ongoing crisis at An Bord Pleanála, Deputy Ó Broin said that this can only be achieved with a significant change of its membership.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“An Bord Pleanála is in a deep crisis. This has been caused by an avalanche of revelations in the media, led by The Ditch online news site, regarding conflicts of interest, improper decision-making and breaches of internal procedures. 

“These revelations related to seven members of An Bord Pleanála, have led to three inquiries, one resignation, possible criminal proceedings, no-confidence motions in a number of local authorities and a dramatic loss of public confidence.

“An Bord Pleanála has also suffered from bad planning policy from government, including the conflict between central government mandatory ministerial guidelines and city and county development plans. 

“This has led to a dramatic increase in legal challenges to legally questionable An Bord Pleanála decisions, lost judicial reviews and significant increase in legal costs.

“Minister Darragh O’Brien must urgently act to restore public confidence in the work of An Bord Pleanála. This can only be achieved with a significant change of its membership. 

“Responsibility starts at the top, and the Minister must be bold in doing what is necessary to restore public confidence in An Bord Pleanála’s work. 

“He must bring forward legislation to change the way in which its members are appointed and to strengthen its internal governance and adherence to procedures.

“We also need to see wider changes to the planning system including the repeal of the mandatory ministerial guidelines on apartment standards and building heights, adequate resourcing of An Bord Pleanála to ensure timely decisions, statutory timelines for decisions.

“We must also see a dedicated and resourced Planning and Environmental Court to ensure that legal challenges are dealt with in an appropriate time frame.”

Share On Facebook
Share On Twitter
Share On Whatsapp
Share Via Email
Copy URL

Follow us online

Latest Tweets
Retweet on Twitter Sinn Féin Retweeted
moneillsf Michelle O’Neill @moneillsf ·
4 Dec

Proud to stand with the largest team of Sinn Féin TDs in over 100 years.

We are more determined than ever to deliver real change for workers, families, and communities across the island.

Reply on Twitter 1864358064352043268 Retweet on Twitter 1864358064352043268 80 Like on Twitter 1864358064352043268 428 Twitter 1864358064352043268
Retweet on Twitter Sinn Féin Retweeted
pearsedoherty Pearse Doherty @pearsedoherty ·
4 Dec

We’re back in Leinster House today with the largest team of Sinn Féin TDs in over 100 years.

A team of 39 TDs with the energy, determination, and commitment to deliver for working people. We want to thank the hundreds of thousands of people who voted for Sinn Féin and for real…

Reply on Twitter 1864354608925000103 Retweet on Twitter 1864354608925000103 61 Like on Twitter 1864354608925000103 299 Twitter 1864354608925000103
Retweet on Twitter Sinn Féin Retweeted
maryloumcdonald Mary Lou McDonald @maryloumcdonald ·
4 Dec

This is the biggest group of Sinn Féin TDs to enter Leinster House in over a century

We are here to work for you, we are in your corner and we will never ever give up on our mission to create an equal, a fair and a united Ireland

Reply on Twitter 1864344225568923881 Retweet on Twitter 1864344225568923881 136 Like on Twitter 1864344225568923881 881 Twitter 1864344225568923881
sinnfeinireland Sinn Féin @sinnfeinireland ·
4 Dec

The work of winning a better future for all continues right now – @MaryLouMcDonald

"We are in the corner of ordinary people. We have your back, and we are not giving up."

Reply on Twitter 1864339100200833172 Retweet on Twitter 1864339100200833172 30 Like on Twitter 1864339100200833172 106 Twitter 1864339100200833172
Load More

Statements