Minister urged to fast-track probe after An Bord Pleanála's Paul Hyde quits his role

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien. File Picture: PA

The Housing minister has been urged to fast-track the publication of a report into alleged conflicts of interests in planning decisions following the resignation of An Bord Pleanála's deputy chair.

As revealed by the Irish Examiner, Paul Hyde quit his position On Friday as the second most senior official in the planning appeals body.

He had been the subject of several probes into allegations of conflict of interests in decisions he was involved in.

He had denied improper conduct but had stood aside from his role “without prejudice” in May pending the outcome of an investigation commissioned by Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien.

Mr O’Brien had appointed senior counsel Remy Farrell to examine the issue.

A report from the senior lawyer was initially due at the end of June but Mr O’Brien later agreed to extend the investigation period by a further five weeks.

Paul Hyde, An Bord Pleanála deputy chair. File Picture

An internal review of cases over which Mr Hyde presided is also being conducted in An Bord Pleanála, and the Irish Examiner previously reported that an investigation by the chair of the board, under section 110 of the Planning Act, is under way.

Following Mr Hyde’s resignation, Mr O’Brien has faced calls to expedite the publication timeline.

Labour Party spokesperson on housing, senator Rebecca Moynihan said: “Following the sudden resignation of the deputy chair of An Bord Pleanála it is absolutely crucial that the minister now fast-tracks the publication of the report in full.

It is essential that people have full confidence in the planning process so if the report reveals more systemic and seismic issues in An Bord Pleanála then they must be addressed.

“Transparency and fairness are the bedrock to any democracy and trust in the planning system is completely vital.”

Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin urged the minister to publish the report on the matter "immediately".

"The problems at ⁦An Bord Pleanála's run far deeper than one member," he said. 

"They extend to the entire SHD [Strategic housing development] sub-panel and the chair.

"There are clearly wider cultural and governance issues which must be resolved if public confidence is to be restored."

A spokesman for the Department of Housing confirmed that the minister had received notification of Mr Hyde’s resignation on Friday.