Outrage as affordable homes project moves ahead

ANGRY scenes were witnessed yesterday as approval was eventually given for a controversial amendment of the Cork County Development Plan, which will allow construction of more than 100 affordable and social houses in West Cork.

A major split developed among Fine Gael councillors at a heated debate in County Hall. Many of them were baited by Fianna Fáil members during exchanges which caused Mayor Michael Creed to threaten to adjourn the meeting.

A proposal to amend the plan to create a “unique” village at Darrara, near Clonakilty, was put forward by FG’s Cllr Jim Daly. He was then accused by doing a major U-turn by FF’s Cllr Joe Carroll. Mr Daly denied claims that six months ago he was widely reported as being against the project, although he admitted he still had some concerns about the development.

Mr Carroll then held up a cutting from last Friday’s Irish Examiner, showing Clonakilty with an average house price of €350,000, was the most expensive place in Munster. He claimed this had influenced the alleged U-turn.

Fianna Fáil leader in the council, Cllr Alan Coleman, said those lucky enough to get the affordable homes would get a discount of €100,000 compared to what was available on the local market.

Cllr Maura Cal McCarthy said the 40-acre site, which has been donated free of charge by the Department of Agriculture and local agricultural college, was unsuitable.

“The Government is stripping assets from the college and signalling that agriculture is in decline,” her party colleague, Cllr Gerry Kelly said.

Cllr Paddy Sheehan (FG) claimed the college’s future was “being sabotaged” by the move.

Labour’s Cllr Paula Desmond described some of the verbal attacks flying over her head between FF and FG members as being “a re-run of the Civil War.”

“Consultants say it will fit in with existing development and that viability of college won’t be affected,” Ms Desmond added.

Clonakilty-based FF member Cllr Donal O’Rourke said he supported the project.

“It’s a welcome initiative, it’s visionary and far-seeing. JJ Harty (principal of the agricultural college) said it will not jeopardise its future.

Mr Moloney said the land was capable of carrying 300 homes.

The proposal to change the County Development Plan to allow the project proceed was eventually passed by 34 votes to 10.