Planning Bill signals a quiet coup on our democracy

The bill has no real safeguards or oversight from the Oireachtas on new powers, and proposes to limit the role of the courts in holding these and other actors to account, writes Attracta Uí Bhroin

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien  promised to enact the Planning Bill by the summer recess 'come hell or high water'.

A silent and deadly coup on our democracy will be executed with the completion of key stages of the Planning Bill in Dáil Éireann next Wednesday. 

Ironically, this effective coup is going under the radar, while everyone is getting all excited about the democratic outcomes from the local and European elections this Friday. It will be done and dusted in around 12-and-a-half hours, less time than the 15 hours the polling stations are open for.