No outside experts on planning reviews

Reviews into planning decisions in seven local authorities across six counties were launched by the last government after complaints about alleged irregularities.

The Irish Examiner has learnt that a decision to appoint outside experts to oversee inquiries was put on hold by the current Government because of a fear that the costs could amount to a “runaway train”.

Planning experts from abroad were even considered but, at a time of budget cuts, it was feared that seven separate inquiries could end up costing the taxpayer between €100,000 and €150,000.