We need more open approach to planning files

IN VIEW of the level of refusals for minor planning development, resulting in financial loss for many people trying to build a home, the Freedom of Information Act may help them to get something back to ease the financial strain and misery.

Local government planning reports have long been a nightmare for developers and public representatives.

Some years ago, we were not allowed to see a planning file. Thanks to the late Michael Pat Murphy TD, myself and others, a ‘partial’ file was eventually made available to us.