Clash over EU decision

THE EU’s decision to challenge Irish laws that restrict planning permission to locals living in the area, working in certain land-based occupations and speaking Irish has led to a clash between auctioneers and a Government MEP.

The Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute has accused successive governments of supporting the laws that operate in 22 counties despite knowing they were discriminatory and illegal. But Fianna Fáil MEP Sean Ó Neachtain contends that if they are abolished local authorities will stop granting permission to build once-off housing in the future.

The European Commission’s threat to take Ireland to court over the laws was welcomed by Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness, who has been working on the case for some time.