Bord Pleanála composition may be unlawful, says group

A GROUP representing rural families has called for an urgent review of the composition of An Bord Pleanála, claiming its membership may be unlawful.

The Irish Rural Dwellers’ Association raised concerns after recent appointments further increased the number of state employees on the board.

By law, the board members — who make the final decision in planning appeals — can be drawn from a wide range of sources, including trade unions, the community, voluntary, youth and disability sectors, the arts, farming, business, the construction industry or “professions or occupations that relate to physical planning, engineering and architecture”.