Allegations Surface Over An Bord Pleanála Board Member

Ireland's independent planning body An Bord Pleanála (ABP) has come under scrutiny over allegations surrounding one of its board members.

Recent media reports in The Ditch and The Examiner have alleged a potential conflict-of-interest surrounding a board member.

Sinn Féin representative Eóin Ó Broin TD has urged ABP to release a full statement regarding the issue.

"In order for ABP to fulfil its functions it must have the confidence of the public," said Deputy Ó Broin. "The allegations and the lack of response from ABP to date is undermining public confidence in that work.


"I have written to Chair of ABP today asking him to urge ABP to make a full and comprehensive statement regarding the potential conflict of interest issues raised.

"It is not tenable for ABP to refuse to respond to the detailed issues raised in reports from both The Ditch and The Examiner and a comprehensive response to all of these allegations must be placed in the public domain as a matter of urgency.

"I have also written to Minister O'Brien asking him to ensure that the review of the he has commissioned covers all the potential conflict of interest allegations made and that the Minister will share his findings with the relevant opposition spokespeople as soon as possible."