Planning board met Corrib gas consortium

AN BÓRD PLEANÁLA yesterday denied it had compromised its independence by meeting with members of the Corrib gas consortium before the controversial project was given final planning approval.

Speaking before the Oireachtas Environment Committee yesterday, chief executive John O’Connor said it was routine for the board to meet groups with a general interest in planning issues.

“We meet anybody who has a general issue on planning matters. That shouldn’t be confused with any lack of independence on the part of the board,” he said.