Sir, – The Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan and Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Willie Penrose now believe an independent review of planning irregularities in six local authorities to be “inappropriate”. An internal review is to be carried out instead. Internal reviews are not noted for transparency and openness.
Accusations of cronyism and corruption within local authorities are indeed very serious. The Government was elected with the promise of cleaning up our political system. Independent reviews into the banking sector have helped to identify and address shortcomings. The same needs to happen within our planning systems to address the failings in public administration and the political system.
May I respectfully suggest the decision not to carry out this independent review is not just inappropriate but also bizarre and should be reversed immediately in the interests of the future of this country. – Yours, etc,