External planning probes will be conducted ‘if merited’

External inquiries into planning matters in seven local authorities will be carried out if merited, Jan O’Sullivan, the housing and planning minister, has said.

An internal review of complaints made against councils is taking place within her department and will be completed by the end of April or start of May.

The Green Party claimed the investigation had been halted by the Government, suggesting this was because most local authorities are controlled by Labour and Fine Gael.