Senator calls for Minister to report on progress on his plans to clean up An Bord Pleanala

Independent Senator Victor Boyhan says he is calling on the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, to publish a report on changes made to An Bord Pleanála since the Minister’s Department announced its Action Plan for the body in October 2022.

Senator Boyhan, a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, praised the Action Plan’s contents but said the need to track progress is essential.

Speaking yesterday, Senator Boyhan said: “As members of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, we need an update about the implementation of the Action Plan and progress made to date.

“Without this we cannot hold the board to account and do our job as committee members and parliamentarians.”

“Last year at an Oireachtas Committee meeting, I asked the Interim Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála, Oonagh Buckley, how many housing units were awaiting determination and if An Bord Pleanála has the resources to address the backlog.

“She could not provide me with details, including important up to date figures.

“I am concerned that sufficient progress has not been made since 2022.

“I believe that a report on the progress to date would improve transparency and help the organisation’s image in the eyes of the public.”