Urgent reform is needed to ensure An Bord Pleanála functions effectively.
That's according to one of the authors of a review of the body, the first phase of which was published today.
The Office of the Planning Regulator has published the first phase of its review into certain systems and procedures used by An Bord Pleanála in the delivery of its statutory planning functions.
It makes 11 recommendations, which it says are designed to strengthen procedures, restore public confidence in An Bord Pleanála and ensure the effectiveness of the overall planning system.
They include a new Governance, Ethics & Compliance Unit within the organisation, with an ethics officer appointed to manage and oversee the area.
It also says formal procedures are required to identify and monitor conflicts of interest matters in relation to decision-making.
One of the report's authors, Paul Cackette says without major reform, An Bord Pleanála will find it increasingly difficult to function effectively.
A separate report conducted by Senior Counsel Remy Farrell into practices at An Bord Pleanála was handed over to Gardaí, the Standards in Public Office Commission and the Director of Public Prosecutions in August.
It examined alleged conflicts of interest and relevant disclosures by the then-deputy chair of the planning body, Paul Hyde.
Mr Hyde has since resigned and denies the allegations.
