Council defends record on planning

Clare County Council was yesterday accused by An Taisce of having a dismal record in policing unauthorised developments across the county. In recent times An Taisce has adopted a proactive stance in opposing retention applications for illegal developments in Co Clare.

The spokeswoman claimed that in Co Clare "developers know that if they build first, no one will make them knock it down".

"Until an unauthorised development is demolished, people will continue to build without planning permission." The spokeswoman cited one unauthorised development along a designated scenic route in a Special Area of Conservation near the coastal village of Ballyvaughan as an example of the council's lax attitude.

She said the council was informed and eventually the work was stopped, but years later the half-finished house is still there despite efforts by An Taisce to have it demolished.

However, An Taisce's charge was dismissed by the council's head of planning, Mr Ger Dollard, yesterday as being unfounded.

Mr Dollard said that "to date in 2003 the council has received over 220 complaints of unauthorised development or non compliance with planning permission. We have issued 176 warning letters and 53 enforcement notices".

He said: "The effectiveness of the council can be seen from the number of court judgments obtained in July alone. Seven cases were dealt with by the courts and fines, costs and expenses were imposed."

In one particular case a fine of €1,700 was imposed with costs of €500 and expenses of €250. In another case a bench warrant for arrest was issued due to non-attendance in court.