Minister asks senior counsel to probe An Bord Pleanála conflict of interest allegations

The matter centres on a decision to deny planning permission for a development of 191 apartments in Blackpool in Cork city

Paul Hyde has a 25% shareholding in a company that owns a site which is 50m away from the distillery site in Blackpool which is at the centre of the issue.

A senior counsel has been appointed to examine allegations about a conflict of interest for a senior member of An Bord Pleanála. 

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has confirmed that he has appointed Remy Farrell to compile a report on the matter.