A POSSIBLE standoff between the Environment Minister and Mayo councillors could be averted. Minister John Gormley has said he is not likely to impose a veto on planning proposals contained in the redrafted County Development Plan.
County councillors have proposed a series of bold new measures designed to revitalise rural Mayo, by easing restrictions on oneoff housing in the countryside. The plan risks going against a number of government policies, including the National Spatial Strategy. Minister Gormley has already made a comprehensive submission on the document and anticipates a debate with Mayo County Council.
"I would only come in as a last resort. I would hope we can have a fruitful dialogue, that we can look at the issues and have a comprehensive analysis of what is required." Speaking to the Western People on a visit to Ballina, Minister Gormley admitted that elements of the draft plan were a cause of concern, particularly the size of provision made for residential development.
"I think we have to look at some of the issues in a bit of detail, especially when you look at the population density that will be required when this is redrafted. It's six times what is actually required. So that needs to be looked at."
Minister Gormley said he respected the rights of local councillors to make decisions on forward planning in their areas.
"If anything, I want to enhance local government. But, we need to ensure that planning decisions are made in the interests of the community, the country and that they're in line with the regional planning guidelines, in line with the National Spatial Strategy. Those are the priority concerns for my department and that's why they made the submission."
"We need to listen to local concerns and councillors are very well placed. So I'm hoping that we can get a compromise that will be in the interests of Mayo."
The minister also defended some of the restrictions imposed by Europe on agriculture and rural planning, pointing out that Ireland faced major penalties for failing to comply with them.
"We have to take all of these matters into consideration. We are facing substantial fines from Europe unless we can get our act together in terms of SAC and SPA designations. Habitats and species is top of the list as far as Europe is concerned. We have to act and act promptly. We also need to get the balance right, so that people can continue to live and work in rural areas. I think we are trying to get the balance right. Council-lors and all local representatives need to understand that."
Fiona McGarry
Western People
www.buckplanning.ie
No comments:
Post a Comment