Planners’ advice on rezoning ignored

A FLURRY of last-minute amendments rushed through by councillors against the advice of planners has rezoned almost 100 acres of land around Ennis for housing before 2014.

In the draft variation to the Ennis and Environs Development Plan, the 95 acres were part of 720 acres of land frozen for development for four years.

The proposed freezing of the lands followed the intervention by the Department of the Environment who expressed concerns in relation to over-zoning in the greater Ennis area.

Senior planner Gordon Daly said the amount of land in question not to be developed before 2014 was “non-negotiable” with the department.

Prior to the department’s intervention, the council had zoned 940 acres for housing before 2014.

However, it is now proposing only 220 acres be developed.

Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said the 95 acres of land that cannot now be developed before 2014 “are in NAMA”.

The proposed de-zoning of the lands is expected to hit the value of the lands in question.

Under planning legislation, councillors are now required to give reasons for their decisions. The manager’s report on the matter noted: “We propose to introduce a more balanced zoning in order to optimise land use into the overall plan area. In doing so, we have reviewed the level of, and adequacy with regard to the road network, public services such as schools, transport, community and sporting facilities within the plan area.”

The amendments are material changes and will go out on public display for submissions to be made.