Legal hazard would silence councillors

PLANNING, zoning and listed building decisions by councillors are often controversial.

Recent reports that South Dublin County Council management has told councillors, who apparently defied advice from their law department to grant a rezoning concession to Jim Mansfield at Citywest, that they will be billed for the consequences is a threat to the integrity of our democratic system.

Late last year, the issue of preserving the 19th century Llandaff Terrace on Merrion Road placed a number of city councillors, including myself, at risk from litigation. It is interesting to note that the South Dublin County Council administration seems to consider the elected members as somehow out with the council. Local authority law departments may advise councillors but the elected members must be able to dissent from the official line without fear of financial ruin.

If the attitude of South Dublin officialdom is legally correct, then the Environment Minister should amend legislation to protect councillors discharging their duties on behalf of the public.

Cllr Dr Bill Tormey

Glasnevin Ave

Dublin 11