A former Mayor of Clare claims the public have ‘lost faith’ in An Bord Pleanala.
It follows a discussion amongst elected representatives at last evening’s meeting of Clare County Council for the national independent planning body to be ‘dismantled’.
Councillors at yesterday’s monthly meeting described what they feel is a ‘wake up call’ needed for An Bord Pleanala in respect of delays on the appeals process to projects in this county and further afield.
While the normal waiting time for an appeal to be heard with the body is four months, a number of Clare projects, including Blake’s Corner in Ennistymon, have gone on for much longer than that.
There were also similar concerns expressed regarding a planned Aldi store in Shannon, as well as a planned plaza in Ennis.
Fianna Fail Councillor Pat Daly, who’s based in the county town, says either more staff are needed in An Bord Pleanala or a new authority needs to be put in place.
The meeting also heard calls for a statutory timeline to be established in law for appeals.
Allegations of wrongdoing within the body earlier this year prompted Minister with responsibility for Planning, Darragh O’ Brien, to overhaul the appointments process to An Bord Pleanala’s board.
Sixmilebridge-based former Mayor and Independent Councillor PJ Ryan says a shake up of the system is needed.
Clare County Council is to now write to the Minister and An Bord Pleanala expressing the concerns of elected members.
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