'Worry' and 'upset' over Laois playground planning
Councillors were highly critical of a planning requirement for two new Laois playgrounds.
Independent Cllr James Kelly said he had a “serious issue” with community groups in Trumera and Ballyfin being told they needed planning permission for new playgrounds.
Speaking at the latest meeting of Laois County Council, Cllr Kelly said the requirement being placed on the two proposed playgrounds could impact similar developments in Wolfhill and Emo.
He said communities who had fundraised and put money together for such playgrounds haven’t factored in the cost of going through the planning process.
“They are very, very upset and worried about this,” said Cllr Kelly.
“I know one playground and they have equipment ordered,” he said.
Cllr Kelly said the playgrounds should be given a Part 8 exemption for planning.
Fine Gael Councillor Conor Bergin expressed his belief that the two playgrounds should be exempt from the normal planning procedure.
“These are projects of €60,000 both of them,” he said.
“I can’t understand why, at this juncture, that the council could turn around and look for planning,” said Cllr Bergin.
He said it was something that the council needed to take a look at.
“I can’t understand why we are moving the goalposts now. It is not fair,” he added.
Fianna Fail Cllr Paddy Bracken agreed with his council colleagues.
“I think it is a bit unfair that a voluntary organisation has to go through these processes,” he said.
“We should have some leverage here in terms of the planning process,” he added.
Independent Cllr Ben Brennan was in full agreement. He noted these were projects being run by community groups who would now have the added cost associated with planning.
“I think it is absolutely ridiculous and where is the money going to come out of,” he asked.
Director of Services Angela McEvoy said she wasn’t aware of the issue in relation to the playgrounds.
Cllr Kelly said it was causing a lot of worry and upset in the communities involved.
Cllr Paddy Bracken said the issue has already been raised with council officials and wasn’t new.
He said a voluntary group that are providing a service should be working in tandem with the council.
“I would imagine we can get through this by the end of the week just in relation to what is needed from the groups,” said Ms McEvoy.
“In relation to Part 8, up to €126,000 is generally where Part 8 kicks in after that,” said Ms McEvoy.
She said there may be complications if they are located in conservation areas. She was unable to make a determination as she didn’t know the sites in question.
Cllr Paddy Bracken expressed his belief that it was a straightforward matter. He appealed to Ms McEvoy to move on the matter.
Cllr James Kelly said the locations in Trumera and Ballyfin were beside national schools.
“They just want to go ahead and just get the Part 8 and not be involved in the planning,” said Cllr Kelly.
Cllr Bergin asked for a meeting with the groups who he said couldn’t wait any longer.
Ms McEvoy said she would discuss the matter with council officials and assured the councillors that it would be dealt with this week.