Cork County Council welcomes the announcement by Minister Jan O'Sullivan, T.D. that the conclusion of the planning review found no substance in the complaints made by An Taisce against Cork County Council.

The Planning System is one of the most transparent services provided across the public service which provides for the planning file to be available to all parties.

Cork County Council has over many years provided a professional and high quality service to all stakeholders who interact with the Planning Service.

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The Council, through its management, staff and Elected Members has always sought to plan for and develop the County in accordance with sound sustainable development principles.

The County Manager, Mr Martin Riordan, stated: "An Taisce are afforded designation as a prescribed body under the Planning & Development Regulations, 2001.

"Such designation requires that An Taisce take a balanced and considered view of the impact of making unfounded and inaccurate complaints which undermine confidence in the planning system.

"It would be unacceptable for any public agency to operate in this manner.

"The designation of An Taisce as a prescribed body under the Planning & Development Regulations, 2001 needs to be reviewed in the light of An Taisce approach to its role.

"Voluntary bodies have every right to engage in and campaign for their particular view of the planning regime that should apply but this should not be from the position as a body specifically recognised under the planning regulations."

(CD)