Mick Clifford: Is the Government taking An Bord Pleanála's name in vain?

Is a name change for the planning board a case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater after its brand was tarnished by a few bad years

Paul Hyde's reputation is battered but he walked from court a free man. Picture: Larry Cummins

THE fall-out in criminal terms from the recent An Bord Pleanála controversy reached a conclusion this week as former deputy chair Paul Hyde appealed against a prison sentenceimposed on him in the district court.

He had pleaded guilty to failing to declare interests, contrary to the law as it pertains to the members of the planning board. A prison sentence of two months on each of two counts had been imposed at the district court.