Local TD ‘seriously concerned’ about planning decisions

People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid-West Gino Kenny has raised concerns about planning decisions in the constituency.

This is after several planning applications have had decisions reversed by An Bord Pleanála in the past year or so.

Deputy Kenny also said that some applications which have been granted by South Dublin County Council ‘raise serious questions’.

He said particularly drew attention to the decision made last week by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission on appeal to Cavan Developments for 98 units in Rathcoole.

“I’m seriously concerned about a number of planning decisions in the recent year across the constituency,” Deputy Kenny said.

“I have been talking to constituents in Rathcoole who are very disappointed that a decision by the council was overturned by An Bord Pleanála.

“Residents feel let down by the planning authorities, and I don’t blame them.

“The developer Cavan Developments have failed to complete units to provide much needed amenities such as retail units and a GP surgery in the area.

“The council planners raised serious concerns about their application to build another 98 homes beside Rath Mills including overdevelopment of the site and substandard public open space.

“But An Bord Pleanála has overturned that decision in favour of the developer to the detriment of the local community.

“Unfortunately this is not the first time that An Bord Pleanála has overturned a council decision.

“The demolition of Floraville Cottage in Clondalkin Village and the construction of apartments on the site was initially refused by South Dublin County Council.

“But again the decision was overturned by the board and this heritage building with connections to James Joyce is now lost forever.

“There are serious questions to be asked about the accountability of An Bord Pleanála and the planning process as a whole.

“Our heritage and communities are being railroaded in the financial interest of property developers.”

People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson added:

“I’m very concerned about the fact that An Bord Pleanála are consistently overturning decisions made by South Dublin County Council planners.

“The council planners have a much better understanding of the local area than the bord does and a planning system that allows this type of railroading of local decision making is not fit for purpose in my opinion.”