Cllr Kavanagh up in arms over planning letter
A STRONGLY WORDED warning letter sent to an Enniscorthy businessman had Cllr Paddy Kavanagh up in arms.
Cllr Kavanagh said he got a complaint from a sizeable County Wexford employer who complained to him about the letter received from the planning and development section warning him that he could be fined up to €12,000 or a month in jail. The letter claimed the businessman was operating the premises out of hours. ‘I think it’s a very high-handed approach from planning and development on foot of one complaint from possibly a habitual complainer. Emphasis should be put on them rather than the person employing people in the area. Research should be done before a letter is sent out,’ Cllr Kavanagh said.
Director of Services for Economic & Planning Development Tony Larkin said it was a warning letter over a matter that was judged not to be trivial by council staff. ‘He will know himself whether he is working outside the hours. I know it’s heavy on legalities and it’s a statutory letter in law.’
He said the council does not attach much meaning to nuisance complaints.