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Midlands Junior Minister Resigns Over 2008 Planning Application

Thursday, 12 January 2023 08:02

Damien English has told the Taoiseach he is stepping down from his job. 

Junior Minister Damien English has resigned. 

In a statement he says he informed the Taoiseach last night of his decision to step down as Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment. 

It follows reports that he failed to declare details of a 2008 planning application relating to a property in Meath. 

The Fine Gael TD says that having reviewed the application it is 'clear' to him that he failed to inform Meath County Council about his ownership of the property, adding it was 'wrong' and 'not up the standard required'.  

He has apologised and says he will continue to serve the people of Meath West.

Damien English has paid the price for his actions by stepping down as Junior Minister.

That's according to Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Martin Heydon, who says he expects the Meath West Deputy to remain in his position as TD.

Deputy Heydon says the news of his Fine Gael colleague came as a shock to him:

His Fine Gael colleague, Minister Josepha Madigan, says he made the right decision to step down: 

The Taoiseach has said he'll examine whether former Junior Minister Damien English broke the law by misleading Meath County Council in a planning application.  

Leo Varadkar said it is a matter for the local authority to investigate if it wishes but he will seek legal advice on the matter. 

Despite that, the Taoiseach said he doesn't think English should also resign his Dáil seat:

 

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