merrion street

The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy T.D., today (11 December 2018) announced an appointment to the Board of An Bord Pleanála.

The Board is an independent statutory agency established in 1977 under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976 and is responsible for the determination of appeals and certain other matters under the Planning and Development Act 2000 and determination of applications for strategic infrastructure development and strategic housing developments. It is also responsible for dealing with proposals for the compulsory acquisition of land by local authorities and others under various enactments. The Board also has functions to determine appeals under the Water and Building Control Acts.

In August 2018, the Minister requested nominations from the various bodies prescribed by legislation under Panel A for the purposes of making an appointment to the Board of An Bord Pleanála. On foot of that process, the Minister has appointed Mr. Christopher McGarry who will take up office on 1 February 2019.

A brief resumé of the new member is set out below. Mr. McGarry is being appointed until 31 January 2024. This will bring the Board membership to 11 persons.


Biographical Notes

Christopher McGarry

Christopher McGarry is a member and former Chairman of the Royal Town Planning Institute and a member the Irish Planning Institute. He has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) Degree in Environmental Planning, a Post Graduate Diploma in Town and Country Planning and a Diploma in Environmental Impact Assessment Management. He has over 28 years’ professional planning experience in Ireland. Previous roles include, Head of Planning at the National Asset Management Agency. He is currently employed as Head of Planning in a private sector firm and is an occasional lecturer on planning law for the NUI Certificate in Architectural Professional Practice and Practical Experience. Chris is a former Board member and Vice-Chair of Cluid Housing Association.