Heated debate over new development
SPARKS flew at Gorey Municipal District committee’s February meeting after Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin suggested that a development company ‘got their way’ and was granted planning permission for a largescale housing development at Kilnahue despite residents’ objections.
He was disappointed that a representative of the planning section wasn’t present as ‘ the biggest planning decision in years’ was made the previous day. He said local residents felt the plan was ‘premature’ as infrastructure issues hadn’t been addressed, adding, ‘yet, Gannon Construction were allowed to have their way.’ He contended residents weren’t consulted despite claims to the contrary.
‘ The planning department are not here to defend themselves,’ said Cllr Pip Breen.
‘People feel they are not being listened to,’ said Cllr Ó Súilleabháin. District director Annette O’Neill pointed out that they can appeal the decision to An Bórd Pleanála.
During a heated exchange, Cllr Ó Súilleabháin accused Cllr Anthony Donohoe of siding with developers. Cllr Donohoe called on him to withdraw the remark.
‘I’m not here to represent developers,’ said Cllr Donohoe. ‘I have every faith in the planning department. There is a housing crisis. They have said some alterations are needed and I’m confident they will be done.’
‘All of us are here to represent the best interests of all in the community,’ stated Cllr Malcolm Byrne. He said that one of the conditions attached to the permission was a contribution of a quarter of a million euro for the local roads.
‘I’m not entirely happy with the planners’ decision, but we must get an assurance that if this development does proceed, that the infrastructure be put in place first and that there be engagement with schools and residents,’ he added.
Cllr John Hegarty accepted the concerns of the residents. ‘But on the other side, we have a housing crisis,’ he said. ‘ There is a planning process and it is a fair process. Councillors are separate from planning now. There is a process to appeal, but we have full confidence in the planners.’
Cllr Ó Súilleabháin emphasised that he wasn’t casting aspersions on anyone in the planning department, but added that four councillors expressed the view that it was premature at this time.
‘I don’t question the work of the planning department,’ said Cllr Byrne. ‘I don’t agree with their decision but I respect the process.’ He added that 80 houses have been applied for nearby and said they had been thinking of rezoning that land for education.
‘We need to look at the context of overall planning in that area,’ he said. ‘You’re potentially looking at 300 houses in that area.’
As the conversation continued, Cllr Mary Farrell expressed outrage at being told to ‘ butt out’ of the conversation by the cathaoirleach Cllr Breen and called on him to withdraw the remark. He did, but added that it was nothing to do with her.