Sinn Féin is calling for an independent planning regulator to be established as recommended by the Mahon Report.

Spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, launched the party's private members motion which and described the Government's proposal for a regulator to be contained in promised legislation as "inadequate".

-- Advertisement --

Deputy Stanley said SF believes that there is a need for an independent planning regulator as recommended by Justice Mahon.

He said: "The outline for proposed Government legislation makes the office subservient to the Minister, in contradiction of Mahon's recognition for a regulator with powers separate from the Department.

"I will also be highlighting a number of current planning issues which underline the need for a regulator. Among them are serious allegations regarding planning irregularities in county Wicklow. The Minister and his predecessor Phil Hogan were aware of the claims."

(CD/JP)