Councils reject EU criticism of poor planning policies

The organisation representing local authorities around the country has rejected criticism of Irish planning policies from the EU's environmental body.

Reports this morning say the European Environment Agency has cited Ireland as the "worst-case scenario" when it comes to urban planning.

The criticism is reportedly contained in an assessment due to be published later this month to show new EU member states how not to approach the issue of planning.

It highlights vast urban sprawl in Dublin, as well as in villages and towns across the entire country.

However, the Association of City and County Councils has rejected the EEA's criticism today, saying its members were only rezoning land to meet local housing needs and people seeking to move out of built-up areas were frequently being denied planning permission in rural areas.