Objectors to water scheme may go to court

OBJECTORS are expected to take their fight against a €14.5 million water scheme to the courts after Bord Pleanála granted Cork County Council a conditional order to proceed with the project.

The planning appeals board ruled that the controversial scheme in Bantry is necessary and is in accordance within proper planning guidelines. However, Bord Pleanála’s conditional order means that the county council will have to inform objectors in writing of its intention to proceed with the project.

Objectors have repeatedly said they will take court action, even all the way to the European Court, against proposals to build a reservoir on the outskirts of the town. It is understood the conditional order gives them the right to take a case to the Circuit Court. Meanwhile, Bord Pleanála yesterday granted permission for 127 homes and a crèche at Farranastig, Whitechurch, to developer Dan Buckley. The board attached a number of condition to the project, which had been objected to by some locals.