An Bord Pleanála probe could see board members disciplined, new chair confirms

Oonagh Buckley said An Bord Pleanála intends to amend its code of conduct, in the wake of former deputy chair Paul Hyde resigning amid allegations he had failed to adequately declare his property interests to the board.

An external investigation being carried out at An Bord Pleanála after a year of controversy could lead to disciplinary action against board employees, the planning authority's new chair has said.

Interim chair Oonagh Buckley told the Public Accounts Committee that senior counsel Lorna Lynch may suggest on foot of her inquiry “that further steps are taken, either disciplinary steps or referral to the minister in the case of a serving board member”.