Plan would force developers to give land to schools

CORK County Council is to examine proposals aimed at forcing developers to provide land free of charge for schools and graveyards.

The move received almost unanimous support yesterday, after several councillors said unprecedented population growth in many villages and towns was placing schools in a crisis situation.

Cllr Noel Collins (Ind) said he wanted specific legislation adopted which would require developers to set aside land for such purposes, as many schools didn’t have adequate land for expansion. He said many children were being taught in “hen house” prefabs because no consideration was being given to rapidly expanding populations, which were being brought about by major housing developments.