Mick Clifford: Who will shout stop on new planning laws?

In the fevered run-up to Christmas, bad laws with terrible consequences for public trust have a better chance of escaping scrutiny, writes Mick Clifford

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien wants to rush through provision for him to directly appoint members to an expanded board of 15 members. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins 

Christmas is a great time to rush through laws that might cause a bit of grief. Everybody, including the media, is distracted. We all, to some extent, have gate fever. It is in such an atmosphere that Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien is introducing legislation that could further damage the reputation of An Bord Pleanála and there is no sign that anything is being done to stop it.

The Planning and Development and Foreshore Bill is currently going through the Oireachtas, which is scheduled to pass it before the Christmas break.