Allegations of bias by former An Bord Pleanála deputy chair can be admitted to case - judge

The new grounds for taking the case assert that Paul Hyde “was not duly authorised to determine the application” due to his having failed to acknowledge the potential conflict of interest comprised by his brother’s firm having provided services to the developer.

A High Court judge has ruled that allegations about potential bias on the part of former An Bord Pleanála deputy chair Paul Hyde can be admitted in a case taken against the construction of co-living apartments in Dublin.

Justice Richard Humphreys said that the "public interest is clearly engaged” by allowing the issues of bias to be raised in the case, and that it is for “the greater good” that the allegations should be allowed to be aired “given that integrity in public life is at issue”.