PLANNING Minister Jan O’Sullivan has ordered an independent investigation into planning matters in Donegal and five other local authorities.
It follows a High Court settlement yesterday in which former Donegal planner Gerard Convie received an apology from the Department of the Environment, his costs and €25,000 compensation.
Mr Convie had made a number of allegations about planning decisions in Donegal, but claimed these were not properly investigated. The Government has now admitted it was wrong to hold an internal Government review – set up by former minister Willie Penrose.
Minister O’Sullivan says that the potential costs were part of the reason why external independent experts were not employed to conduct the review last year.
“One of the concerns at the time was cost, but I wasn’t part of the decision,” she said.
“Saving money was one part of it. The intention was to get as much information from departmental officials. At the time when Minister Penrose announced it, he said if anything required further review, it would warrant outside consideration. The quashing of the Donegal element of the report does require a response.
“The overall package will strengthen public confidence in the system, as planning is crucial to our recovery.”
She has asked the Attorney General on the best way of progressing an inquiry in Donegal.
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