The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, has published an Action Plan for An Bord Pleanála following approval by Government. This is in response to the finalisation of Phase One of a review by the Office of the Planning Regulator of certain systems and procedures used by An Bord Pleanála.
Minister O’Brien emphasised:
“This action plan will serve to underpin confidence in the capacity of the Board to make planning decisions in a fair manner, supporting the values of independence, impartiality and integrity as articulated in its statement of strategy. We are making fundamental and legislative changes which will impact on the Board appointment process, structure, capacity and operations.”
He added:
“I am conscious that today’s OPR Report is only the first phase of an ongoing OPR review of An Bord Pleanála to be concluded in November. However, I am determined to move quickly on today’s recommendations and this Action Plan does just that. If any further recommendations arise in November I will again move quickly to address those.”