Waterford ‘held back by serial objector’

THE MAYOR of Waterford, Cha O’Neill, has said he is fearful for Waterford’s reputation among developers and investors as it emerged that a college lecturer is making an average of almost one observation, objection or appeal per week against proposed developments in the city.

Mr O’Neill made his comments after Waterford auctioneer Des Purcell revealed that Green Party activist Brendan McCann made 30 planning submissions to Waterford City Council during the period from January 3 to September 8. Mr McCann also lodged a number of appeals against Waterford City Council’s planning decisions to An Bord Pleanála during the same period.

The mayor said his concern is that the signal being sent to those considering investing in Waterford is a single individual has taken it on himself to act as an alternative to the planning process in a way that can create considerable delays to projects.

“I actively favour people being involved in helping to plan development in the areas where they live or work,” he said.

“However, what does concern me greatly is the perception among developers and investors that Waterford is a difficult area for projects to be advanced in because of a serial objector who appears to take a scattergun approach in opposing projects of every size, type and location.”

Mr O’Neill said it was “no secret” that there had been greater private sector investment in the comparable cities of Limerick, Galway and Cork during the last 10 years and expressed the fear that Waterford would be unable to develop as a regional gateway if the city gets an unwanted reputation as anti-development.

“In Waterford we have seen far fewer landmark construction projects during the boom since the mid-1990s. Cities that stagnate quickly go backwards and we need to build for the future,” he said.

“Now that developers and investors are finally looking at our city in a more positive light, it is vital that we don’t shoot ourselves in the foot by allowing one individual to take on an unelected and unappointed role that sees him clog up the city’s planning system with what I have to say are often dubious submissions on desirable projects that are fully vetted by our highly qualified and experienced city planners.”

Mr O’Neill said that there was a clear system for elected members of Waterford City Council to input to the planning process on behalf of those they represent.

Mr McCann has defended his actions.

“I believe that every citizen should get involved in the planning process to a level which their finances and time allow,” he said.

“If more people got involved, then I wouldn’t have to do it. It should also be kept in mind that the council only has to have regard to submissions made. They do not have to abide by them.

“I stand over the content of every submission I have made. A lot of time, effort and research goes into it.”