Cancellation of Planning Review

Grudaire

Now I have found it very hard to find any information about the decision to stop the independent planning review. My understanding is that it was cancelled with funding cited as the reason.

It does seem a cynical move though, as the Government parties would be likely to be shown up in the report. Planning is one of the key areas that has failed in Ireland, arguably costing the country billions. As it is we need to ensure that the same planning mistakes cannot be make by local authorities.




Eamon Ryan did an interview on the topic on Morning Ireland:

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0629/morningireland.html

While it is refreshing to see any media outlet defend a government decision (! :P ) the whole thing strikes me as odd. If anyone has any further links to information on the topic I would love to see them! It seems to be a very under-reported decision

Scofflaw

Apparently "the format is considered to be inappropriate":

The Dept of the Environment has confirmed that independent experts will not now be carrying out a review into allegations of planning irregularities.

The Department of the Environment has confirmed that independent experts will not now be carrying out a review into allegations of planning irregularities.

The previous minister, John Gormley, had asked for a review of planning decisions by Dublin and Cork city councils, as well as county councils in Carlow, Meath, Galway and Cork.

Public advertisements led to the appointment of a panel of planning experts from which a team was to be appointed for the review.

A spokesman for the department said the panel had been informed that no appointments will now be made. The spokesman said the format of the investigation was considered 'inappropriate' by Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Minister of State for Housing Willie Penrose.

An internal review is being carrying out instead and a report is to be published 'shortly'.

How exactly does using external experts rather than internal staff make the "format" inappropriate - except presumably by virtue of the external experts coming in an external format...?

somewhat suspiciously,
Scofflaw

Sand

Surprised they didnt bother releasing the report now instead of bothering going through the charade of a review. I can write it for them now.

- Some mistakes were made, no one in particular to blame.
- Overall planning review process is robust and well implemented
- Some deck chairs need to be moved