As reported by RTE this afternoon, the independent review of planning irregularities in six local authorities, commissioned by former Minister of Environment, John Gormley, has been terminated by the Department of Environment and will be replaced by an internal review instead. The independent review was to be carried out by a panel of independently appointed reviewers (who have been recruited) and was due to focus on planning processes, systems and policies in Dublin and Cork City councils, as well as county councils in Carlow, Meath, Galway and Cork. The reason given by the Department is that the format for the review was considered ‘inappropriate’ by Minister for Environment, Phil Hogan TD and Minister of State for Housing and planning, Willie Penrose, TD.
By ‘inappropriate’ one presumes they mean ‘independent’ with a license to ask difficult and awkward questions. By downgrading the review to an internal process, the Department has left itself open to accusations that it is seeking to narrow the parameters, remit, autonomy, openness and transparency of any review. Whether such accusations are fair or not, presentation and process are important in creating trust, faith and confidence in the system of governance. Downgrading a review does not built such sentiment.
There have been many accusations that planning has not worked as effectively as it should in Ireland and that clientelism, cronyism and in some cases corruption has been at work in the system. An independent review seems entirely warranted to identify issues that need redress and reform. If planning had been working properly, neither the councils involved, nor the Department of Environment, should have anything to fear from such a review. Indeed, if that were the case, the review would highlight examples of best practice that other councils might learn from. The fact that such a review was sought by the last government suggests that this is far from the case. For an interesting account of planning irregulatories in Carlow, one of the councils that is due for review, see this article in The Village. Also, see this article in the Independent.
The present government were elected in part on a promise to address shortcomings in public administration and the political system – planning falls into the domain of both. Cancelling an independent review does not instil faith that such a mandate is being persued. Instead, it suggests that there are issues that need to be buried and glossed over. We got independent reviews into the banking sector. We need one with respect to the planning system to either identify and address shortcomings or to create confidence and faith in the planning system.
Rob Kitchin
Ireland after NAMA 
June 28, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Did you really expect an independent investigation into matters which would now hurt the incumbent party (Fine Gael) more than Fianna Fail.
Interesting that Labour are remaining neutral on this issue.
Fianna Fail-Fine Gael; two sides of the same penny?.
June 28, 2011 at 10:44 pm
It would have been nice to see an independent inquiry into planning irregularities in Co. Carlow.
Over the years the county has made a nice little reputation for itself for iffy procedures.
It was noticed by local observers that local politicians involved in supporting such practices belonged to Labour, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. And that most, if not all, of those officials reputed to have been involved are still in place or promoted.
No wonder the rush to downgrade the inquiry.
June 29, 2011 at 9:59 am
This does not surprise me. Look at who had the majority representation in those local authorities that were responsible for the poor planning decisions that fuelled the property frenzy – it was not Fianna Fail this time. Labour are not neutral on this. They also have a vested interest in this decision. The idea that an independent review would be replaced by an internal one shows that not only have we learned nothing but that as soon as we get back on our feet it will start all over again.
June 29, 2011 at 12:00 pm
This is a classic Phil Hogan maneuver ergo FG “strategy”. There will be nothing, absolutely nothing “independent” done while this man has the reigns of power, it is as simple as that. This government have already announced that there is nothing it will do, and nothing it can do, to stop cronyism and nepotism in the Dail chamber which is the heart of our democracy.
That announcement told me that I must wait for the next election or the collapse of this state which ever comes sooner for the restoration of democracy. This government have already sold out in the most barefaced manner. In that context, why should anyone be surprised that “independent analysis” will be tolerated? Mr. Penrose will do as he is told. In the future when you see “Independent analysis” read as, “analysis carried out by the supporters of FG and Labour”. There will be no independent analysis, it will not be entertained and that is why the country is heading for an unstructured default.
Was there independent analysis on the grave implications for Irish society if a NAMA cash for trash state monopoly was created? No! Again, It was foisted on the Irish people with independent voices shouted down, it was the “only game in town” style analysis. Ditto, for the blanket guarantee which has bankrupted the state. We don’t do independent analysis do we? After all, we are Irish, preferring platitudes, hunches, rumor, and above all else partie politics.
June 29, 2011 at 12:18 pm
I have always held the view that the major political parties especially members of the Councillor variety must have been involved in creating “Ghost Estates” across our little island.The promised review has been stopped in its tracts and it raises the question “why”. I firmly believe that the reason is to protect corrupt practises.
There is also the perfectly legal developments which are squeekly clean that have ruined villages and small hamlets. Tallaght Village is one example where 1,000 apartments were bult over the last few years, one particular development of 500 apartments is still in the construction stage.
The big question is “who can we trust now”
June 29, 2011 at 4:50 pm
I think it is a terrible allegation that there could be any taint of corruption in the planning process in the constituency of the Minister for Local Government.
Surely everyone is aware that the incidents in Carlow were already thoroughly investigated?
It is true that the local investigation found some ‘minor’ failures of governance. These included;
“Planning permissions being granted by default owing to inadequate supervision.”
“Statutory Plans were prepared by unqualified persons.”
“Reliance was placed on ‘pieces of paper’ and maps containing illegible handwritten notes purporting to transfer land for use or ownership and which might not survive a legal test.”
“The Council provided assets on property…which was not in its ownership” (of which the investigator commented; a risky business but it does occur, with caution.)
The investigator concluded that in spite of these minor failings developments of more than €79M were realized in joint ventures with private enterprise. He exhorted that the processes should continue;
“The development enjoyed has been founded on the planning policies adopted… which display positive thinking, objective processing of proposals, a readiness of the Councils to react when opportunity knocks… That approach must continue with all participating to maximum effect.”
Naturally the Minister agrees. Of course there is no need for further investigation!
August 26, 2011 at 6:47 am
You have it in one Joan/Skeptical Strategian.the worst aspect of everything that is Irish, is that we as a misgoverned nation are doomed to the same cycle of the same trio of parties of misgoverning opportunists, playing musical chairs for all eternity.
“Beam me up Scottie.!”
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