Athlone Deputy Mayor, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, has welcomed a decision taken by government to introduce new streamlined arrangements for large scale residential developments (LSRDs ) to replace strategic housing developments (SHDs ) which restores decision making to local authorities.
"The SHD process approved two very controversial planning applications in Athlone, in Coosan and most recently, Lissywollen.
"In both cases, I, as a public representative and a citizen of Athlone, had grave concerns about elements of both schemes. I made clear and detailed submissions on both schemes, as did many individuals, including residents from both areas, yet our concerns and observations were simply ignored.
"The flaw in the SHD process was the fact that the schemes allowed for local authorities to be leap-frogged, bypassed entirely. Ultimately, we had no say as elected members, nor did the local residents, the final decision resting with An Bord Pleanala and, if you were not happy with that outcome a judicial review was the only option available, a very hostile and expensive route to take.
“The new system will be fairer and will give citizens a real, meaningful voice. These are very significant changes, restoring the primary decision-making function to local authorities, while also introducing mandatory timelines to ensure an efficient process for large scale residential developments.
"This new proposal will allow for enhanced public participation on any future local developments. Given the restoration of the appeal mechanism for such proposed developments to the Board, the new arrangements should also reduce the number of judicial review challenges being taken against such proposed developments going forward, as is happening under the current SHD arrangements.
"While the 'horse has bolted' in the case of our two SHDs in Athlone, thankfully this government have addressed the issue and put the matter right for any future developments in Athlone or elsewhere," Cllr O'Rourke concluded.
