A chara, – The Taoiseach recently declared his concern with the planning process in light of three ongoing investigations into An Bord Pleanála, which include potential conflicts of interest within its decision-making process.
The Taoiseach stated that “there’s an obligation on An Bord Pleanála to be fully transparent on its own because that will go to the heart of its credibility”.
Mr Martin was also adamant that overhauling the planning system was necessary, pointing to an ongoing review of the planning laws by Attorney General Paul Gallagher.
Last year Mr Martin met with international developer Hammerson/Dublin Central Ltd on April 19th. The developer then proceeded to submit a number of planning applications for the development of various sites on Moore Street six weeks later. The developer’s press release when submitting those applications included the following supportive comments from the Taoiseach within a longer supportive statement: “The plans will enhance the status of O’Connell Street by developing new transport links and delivering new homes, retail facilities and offices which will boost employment in the area.”
If we are to have a true and proper planning process which is transparent and fit for purpose, perhaps we could begin with our Taoiseach refusing to meet international developers prior to their planning submissions and also refusing to offer supportive PR statements for those submissions, particularly when the said planning submissions, located on Moore Street, are extremely controversial. – Is mise,
ENDA FANNING,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.