The following statement was issued by the Roscommon County Manager, Mr Eddie Sheehy, yesterday:
"There has been a phenomenal increase in the number of planning applications in County Roscommon in recent years. In 1994, a total of 714 applications were received, and by 2000 the number of applications had grown to 2,024. There has also been a significant increase in the scale and complexity of individual applications.
"The examination and consideration of planning applications is a quasi-judicial function and involves striking the correct balance (having regard to the development plan and the proper planning and development of the area) between the aspirations of individual landowners and the common good.
"The processing of planning applications involves inputs from many different officers and sections of the local authority and Roscommon County Council has the necessary procedures in place to ensure that all applications are dealt with professionally, openly and fairly. Officers employed by Roscommon County Council are aware that they must not become involved in any occupation which would constitute a conflict of interest.
"All officers are specifically aware that any involvement by them in the preparation of planning applications is strictly prohibited and that the County Council regards any breach of this rule as a very serious contravention of the relevant regulations and rules of conduct.
"The management of the County Council has recently carried out an investigation into the possible involvement of a small number of its staff in the preparation and/or submission of planning applications in breach of the relevant regulations and rules of conduct. The investigation has identified a number of staff (none of whom are employed in the Planning Section) who have had some involvement in the preparation and/or submission of planning applications.
"One official of the Council, who has admitted responsibility for the submission of a planning application under an assumed name in another county, has been dealt with in accordance with the Council's internal disciplinary procedures and has, inter alia, been suspended from duty for a period. A second official, who has admitted his involvement in the preparation of a number of planning applications, has resigned from the County Council.
"The Council is still investigating the possible involvement of a third official in the preparation of a number of planning applications. This junior official has now been suspended from duty and the Council is for obvious reasons not in a position to provide any further details of this aspect of the investigation at the present time.
"The management of the County Council wishes to emphasise that it takes all necessary steps to protect the independence and reputation of the planning process in the county. The Council values highly the professionalism, commitment and integrity which is demonstrated at all times by the overwhelming majority of its staff and regrets that the actions of a small number have fallen short of the very high standards required of them. The Council wishes also to assure the public that the checks and balances which are inherent in its systems will ensure that planning applications continue to be dealt with strictly on their individual merits."