It has been revealed that county Council officials gave false information to a number of councillors in order to fool them into voting in favour of a planning decision. The vote in question facilitated the 'material contravention' of the Dundalk and environs develpment plan 2003-2009. A material contravention permits changes to development plans voted on by councillors. Councillors are the sole deciders of material contaventions also. This particular material contravention proposed rezoning Carnbeg golf club for the building of a large concert hall and 495 residential houses on the extensive golf course.
Several councillors were objecting to the development on the grounds it would introduce unsustainable levels of traffic into the rural area near Dundalk. Louth environmental group and People Before Profit Dundalk have discovered that council officials lied to the councillors in order to get them to vote for the rezoning of the land.
Councillors were informed by representatives of the County Council that they were involved in negotiations with a land owner for the purchase of a site for a large car park. It was explained to the councillors that the car park(a site was identified to the Cllrs)would facilitate buses that would transport concert goers and reduce the level of traffic dramatically. Satisfied that their objections to the project were dealt with the councillors voted in favour of the project.
Louth Environmental Group (LEG) and People Before Profit Dundalk had noted some time after the vote that there was no headway with the car park aspect of the development. Ever inquisitive, a representative of LEG approached the owner of the land identified by council officials as the site for the car park. The owner self stated he had never been contacted by council officials or otherwise regarding buying his land for a car park. Louth Environmental Group obtained a statement from the land owner testifying to this fact. It is believed that detectives are looking into the matter presently.
Since People Before Profit Dundalk have started scrutinising in detail the workings of our town council it has become apparent that unethical mismanagement is a glaring feature of its mechanics. We have been endevouring not only to reveal the corruptions within our local governments but to prevent them through involving local people in objections and other preventative strategies. We are very thankful to those who have participated so far but would encourage others to do so too. It may mean taking a few minutes once a week to read an article and send an email or letter. In doing this we are letting local government authorities and representatives know that we are watching them and will take actions when we disagree with their plans. This is genuine people and community empowerment. Together we are strong.
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