Elected representatives hit out at the process which only allows them make comments on the new county development plan, after their proposal to make Laois and almost wind turbine-free zone was vetoed by Planning Minister Eoghan Murphy.
Cllr Paddy Bracken acknowledged that they now have no role in the drafting of the new County Development Plan, at the monthly meeting of Laois County Council.
Director of services Kieran Kehoe said any comments made by councillors on the new plan can be submitted along with it, but they cannot make amendments to it.
At last month’s council meeting, councillors voted to adopt a map which effectively made Laois a no-go zone for wind turbine development.
This was subsequently rejected by Minister Murphy, as it is in conflict with national policy.
Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald questioned the process of the draft development plan going back out for public consultation when they can’t change it.
Demoted
She said the role of the council had been demoted. “The minister has come back and said he is not accepting our decision. Why would you go back out for public consultation?” she said.
“We as councillors have all been approached by concerned people,” Cllr James Kelly said.
“The minister hasn’t taken their concerns on board, as far as I can see. We have given them false hope,” he said.
Cllr Kelly asked if they don’t agree with the directions from Minister Murphy, then what is their next step.
Mr Kehoe confirmed that councillors will not be voting on the development plan.
“If you don’t agree then you can make a comment that you don’t agree and we will note that,” he said.
Ridiculous
“This is ridiculous,” Cllr John Moran said. “We made a decision but we have no powers. Why waste our time going to meetings? The public thinks we can do this or that, when in actual fact we can do nothing,” he said.
Cllr Ben Brennan agreed they had wasted their time at the previous meeting.
However, he said “people power” can over-turn the decision. He said people in his area would block any attempts to bring machinery in.
SEE ALSO – Laois councillors reaffirm vote to make Laois a wind turbine-free county
