Clare Councillors Believe Planning Policy Could ‘Kill’ Rural Communities Here

© Pat Flynn

Clare Councillors believe national planning policy in the long term could ‘kill’ rural communities in this county and elsewhere.

Local representatives are calling for a rethink of the National Planning Framework in the context of ongoing discussions on a new County Development Plan for Clare.

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Clare Councillors from across the county and across the political divide last night criticised the government’s multi-billion euro long-term plan for the country at their monthly meeting.

It comes as representatives here are attempting to agree a direction for this county’s Development Plan, which is due in 2022 and must be drawn up in line with national guidelines.

The framework includes a provision whereby land which is not due to be serviced, such as waste water infrastructure, should be dezoned, meaning no development would be permitted there.

Some fifty settlements throughout the county, including areas such as Carrigaholt, Doolin, Cooraclare and Broadford would see any hopes of works taking place there virtually dashed, if this was to form part of the county development plan..

Bodyke-based Fine Gael councillor Joe Cooney believes signing off on such a move would signal the death knell of many rural communities in Clare.

Council management largely echoed the concerns of elected members, but as the County Development Plan would need the approval of the Deprtment of Local Government, others will also need to be convinced.

Kilkee-based Fianna Fail representative Cillian Murphy says he has sympathy for the Council’s executive, who are in the grips of government officials.

There are also fears that the small print of the national plan could see one-off house builds in rural communities being prohibited in certain cases.

Under the framework, houses will not be able to constructed on rural land unless proof can be provided that there is a social economic need for the build.

Lissycasey-based Fianna Fail councillor PJ Kelly believes it’s a frightening prospect for communities in West Clare and other rural areas in the county.