Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan, TD, published the findings and recommendations of the planning review report. The report sets out 12 actions that will address current deficiencies in the planning system and the Minister has given a commitment to implement all 12 actions.

In addition, the Minister has announced the planned appointment of an independent planning consultant who will be required to assess all actions contained in the planning review report and propose any additional measures deemed appropriate. The independent consultant will also be tasked with examining a number of broader themes identified in the report and submitting recommendations for further action.

Speaking at the launch Minister O’Sullivan said: "I am publishing the report of the planning review in full. It is a detailed and thorough report and I hope that it is given the consideration it merits by all those with an interest in restoring public confidence in the planning system in Ireland.

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"The report contains 12 actions and I am committed to implementing all of these actions. The actions entail legislative change and consolidation, revised non-statutory guidelines and improved management systems in planning authorities. It is a comprehensive programme of reform that I intend to implement. I believe that these reforms – together with the further reforms the Government will bring forward as part of its response to the Report of the Mahon Tribunal – will significantly improve the planning system, bring about increased transparency and consistency, and enhancing public confidence.

"The planning review published did not find any prima facie evidence of malfeasance in any of the seven local authorities subject to inquiry. What the planning review has identified is areas of policy and procedure where greater clarity, consistency and transparency will improve the planning system. This is a welcome development. It also vindicates the decision of my predecessor, Minister Penrose, not to rush headlong into appointing seven external planning consultants to embark on costly, open-ended inquiries.

"In addition to the 12 actions, the planning review also identified a number of broader themes where additional examination and analysis would be of merit. These broader themes include:

Public communication of planning policy;

Handling and availability of pre-planning application records;

Communication between planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála.

"I will appoint an independent planning expert to examine these issues and report to me with recommendations for action. I will also instruct the independent expert to review the 12 actions contained in the report , to propose any further additional measures he or she deems appropriate and to furnish me with their full review within 3 months of appointment."

(CD)