Fórsa has raised concerns with management at An Bord Pleanála about inspectors at the planning body being asked to change their reports by members of the board.

The issue was raised by the union at an industrial relations meeting in March, and was subsequently reported in the media last week.

Fórsa confirmed to journalists last week that the union had raised general concerns, in an industrial relations meeting with the management of An Bord Pleanála, about occasional occurrences of inspectors being asked to change their reports, including their recommendations, by members of the board of the national independent planning body.

Fórsa official Ian McDonnell commented: “Our aim is to keep a watching brief on this issue, and to continue discussions with management.

"The role of inspectors is crucial in the planning process, and the union wants to ensure that this work can be conducted without fear or favour, or indeed any risk of interference,” he said. 

Inspectors compile evidence-based reports for planning appeals and some planning applications, make recommendations and present them to the board.

Responding to media reports, a spokesperson for An Bord Pleanála said the union’s concerns are currently being assessed, and that further discussions with Fórsa on this issue are envisaged.