A REPORT commissioned by Carlow County Council into irregularities and corporate governance in its planning department has found no evidence of major wrongdoing.
The report, which was carried out by former Louth county manager John Quinlivan, accepted “critical points” made by a local government auditor in relation to losses incurred by the council as well as management issues “requiring urgent attention”.
The auditor’s report had identified a settlement relating to a small parcel of land that was required for the eastern relief road around Carlow town. The settlement was for more than €11 million, according to the audit.
The audit report also noted a landowner won compensation for delays in council provision of access to the main drainage scheme in Carlow.
Another problem identified by the auditors was a commitment to remove telecom services from development land at a location called Plás na Saoirse, which again led to a claim for compensation.
The audit concluded that specific undertakings given by the council resulted in losses that had “a significant impact on the council’s finances”.
In all, Mr Quinlivan took evidence from 49 complainants, who made a variety of allegations about the operation of the planning section of the council.
County manager Tom Barry welcomed the report.
Carlow County Council is also facing a separate investigation by the Department of the Environment into the activities of its planning department.
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