Councillors ‘intimidated’ ahead of retail vote

PUBLIC representatives were bombarded with “intimidating” phone calls, text messages and emails ahead of a vote on a multi-million-euro retail project in west Cork, it has emerged.

Prior to voting down a plan for a Tesco shopping centre in Bantry, several members of Cork County Council referred to distressing and unwarranted communications on the matter.

“It was the worst time I’ve had in 17 years on this council. It was intimidation between texts and phone calls,” Cllr Tadhg O’Donovan (FG) said.

Cllr Joe Carroll (FF) said he, too, found “the manner of canvassing rather distasteful”.

“Some of the canvassing was unwarranted, over the top and quite regrettable,” Cllr Patrick Murphy (FF) said.

A number of other councillors later said communications were sent by people who supported the Tesco development, those who opposed it and others who were backing a similar shopping centre project, jointly proposed by another developer and the local GAA club.

A total of 70 submissions were received from the public on the Tesco project, most of them objecting.

However, council officials yesterday recommended rezoning the land at Newtown.

Several councillors said they were worried that recommending the rezoning would mark the death knell of the other project — which would provide some community claw back for the GAA in terms of new facilities.

Cllr John O’Shea (FG) said he had been “inappropriately canvassed” and would abstain from the vote.

“Nobody in the world would want to be in this position. We have been torn in two. I’m going to lose friends in Bantry whatever way I vote,” Mr O’Shea said.

Cllr Danny Crowley (FF) insisted Bantry needed the Tesco project, but his party colleague Cllr Pat Murphy said the GAA project — which has yet to be lodged with planning officials — brought with it €4 million of sporting facilities for the local club.

Council officials said 46% of locals did their shopping outside of Bantry and the Tesco development would attract a lot of them back.

County manager Martin Riordan said it would provide “a catalyst the town needed” and gave positive indications that the GAA project might be accommodated as well.

Cllr Donal O’Rourke (FF) said the reality was that councillors had to deal with the planning application before them.

“Yes, I have been lobbied as well with emails and text messages.

“I’ve listened to both sides and at the end of the day I have to make up my own mind. The proposal before us is fair and objective. I am quite happy to accept the executive’s recommendation,” Mr O’Rourke said.

The Mayor of Co Cork Cllr Noel Harrington described the situation as “contentious and divisive”.

A three-quarters majority of councillors was needed to rezone land for the Tesco development.

It was defeated after 34 councillors voted in favour, seven against and four abstained.