The Irish Planning Institute has said "paralysis is not an option" as it warned An Bord Pleanála must hire extra inspectors to deal with backlogs.

The group has been mired in controversy since its deputy chairman, Paul Hyde, stood down from An Bord Pleanála over allegations of conflicts of interest.

He has denied any wrongdoing.

The Irish Planning Institute of Ireland (IPI) has now called for the inspectors to be hired urgently to deal with the growing backlog of planning appeal decisions.

"The backlog in appeal decisions must be attended to immediately, to avoid an exacerbation of the current problems facing Ireland, in terms of the energy and housing crisis," Gavin Lawlor, vice-president of the IPI, said.

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"Paralysis is not an option. The recruitment of awning Inspectors, fee-per-case Inspectors and consultants are critical to the preparation of reports for planning appeals, and the Irish Planning Institute supports this.

"The IPI has written to the [Housing] Minister [Darragh O'Brien] to request the appointment of temporary Board members as a matter of urgency."