A heated exchange broke out in Laois County Council on Monday as the elected representatives discussed a proposed development in a Laois village.
The councillors were in the process of debating planning permission from PTC Developments Ltd for the construction of two two-and-a-half-storey detached houses as well as off street parking in Killeen.
The site is currently vacant and is zoned for Amenity, having previously been zoned for Residential.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Paschal McEvoy voiced immediate concerns of the application and proposed a counter-motion to deny planning permission, which was seconded by Fine Gael Councillor Vivienne Phelan.
“I oppose this development for reasons that it would impinge on amenities and other parts of the development that are already there,” Cllr McEvoy said.
Independent councillor James Kelly, however, proposed the planning application be given the go-ahead, which was seconded by fellow Independent councillor Ben Brennan.
“We’re a county crying out for housing,” Cllr Brennan said. “We’ve people on the streets, and we’re stopping planning for houses. Don’t forget that.”
This was met by a rebuttal from Cllr McEvoy, who said: “Let’s call a spade a spade here; there is a part of this submission that are redacted – and I got that piece that was redacted.
“There’s serious stuff in it. I’m not going to name the person here today, but it is alleged a Councillor put serious pressure on an individual in relation to this, and made threats of putting ‘certain individuals’ there if this wasn’t passed.”
Cllr Kelly immediately intervened, saying: “Chair, I think you should hold up this now, because (Cllr McEvoy) has pointed in the direction and we know where you’re pointing.”
Cllr McEvoy reiterated that he was “not naming anyone by the way,” but Cllr Kelly answered: “It has been redacted and you’d want to be very careful about your comment.
“Don’t use it as a political football.”
Cllr McEvoy said: “I’m not naming anyone, but let me say this: I’m coming in here for the last ten years, this is my 11th year, and I’ve gotten a lecture every month on on transparency, accountability, honesty, and what we should be doing as Councillors; and what’s in this, that we haven’t seen, does not fit that bill.”
Cllr Kelly responded saying: “That is a very serious accusation,” while another Independent Councillor, Tommy Mulligan, said: “You’ve got to be careful with the language; there’s both sides to this.”
The members took a vote, with Fianna Fáil Councillors Paddy Bracken, John Joe Fennelly, Catherine Fitzgerald, Padraig Fleming, Seamus McDonald and Paschal McEvoy, as well as Fine Gael councillors Willie Aird, Conor Bergin, John King, Barry Walsh and Vivienne Phelan, all voting to block the planning permission.
Independent councillors Ben Brennan, James Kelly and Tommy Mulligan voted in favour of the application.
Independent Councillor Ollie Clooney abstained from the vote, saying he had no knowledge of the situation.
Sinn Féin Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley and Independent Councillor Aidan Mullins, who both joined the meeting remotely, also abstained from the vote for the same reason.
Labour Councillor Marie Tuohy and Independent Councillor Aisling Moran were not present at the meeting.
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