Minister rang An Bord Pleanála chair just hours before his departure

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien has said he will initiate the process of appointing a new chair and deputy chair. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Dublin

An Bord Pleanála's chairman stepped down today as increasing pressure over malpractice at the planning authority led to an intervention from Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien.

The state planning authority has now been reduced to just four operational board members, from a normal complement of 10, following the decision by chairman Dave Walsh to step away.