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.

However, Green Party Committee member Ciarán Cuffe said he had been shocked by details of a meeting between the Corrib consortium and An Bord Pleanála contained in a report from the Centre for Public Inquiry this week.

In particular, Mr Cuffe said he was taken aback by the report’s finding that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern gave assurances to the Corrib consortium that their planning appeal would go swiftly.

Mr Cuffe said he was especially shocked given the “quasi judicial status and complete independence from Government” the board was supposed to have.

“It was disquieting to see the level of access that was granted to the private sector at a time of raging public controversy over the Corrib gas field,” he said.

Responding, Mr O’Connor said the meeting in question did not discuss the Corrib gas project. Instead, he said, the Irish Offshore Operators’ Association, which includes all consortium members, made a general presentation on the future of oil and gas demand and supply issues in Ireland.

Nevertheless, Green Party member Eamon Ryan, who personally appealed the Corrib planning decision, said he felt the “independence of the board has been completely compromised”.

“I certainly was very taken aback that the oil industry were able to come in and sit down with the board at a very turbulent time.”

Labour Environment spokesman Eamon Gilmore said the role of the board was being undermined by the way in which the Government was proposing to have it fast track infrastructural projects once an impending infrastructure bill is introduced and passed.

Mr Gilmore said the move would make the Board “part of the problem” and give it a proactive role “in relation to major infrastructural development.”

“There is a perception among the public that the independence of An Bord Pleanála is being compromised by Government,” he said.

Responding, Mr O’Connor said he was aware the role of the board was changing but insisted its independence could be maintained.

“That’s something we have to cope with. If functions are given to the board, we will have to deal with them as best we can.”