Report exonerating Kenny ignores the 'perception of bias' problem at An Bord Pleanála

An investigation may have found that director of planning Rachel Kenny was negatively impacted by media reports, but no demand for a retraction was made, writes Mick Clifford

Rachel Kenny, director of planning at An Bord Pleanála.

Earlier this week, it emerged that a barrister had been appointed to examine “matters of concern” at An Bord Pleanála. In effect, Lorna Lynch SC was briefed to run the rule over an internal review which was completed last autumn.

The confidential review, details of which were published in the Irish Examiner in October and November, painted a devastating picture of practices and conflicts of interest at the board. The 38-page report confirmed media allegations that had surfaced over the previous six months.