Urgent: Limerick Councillors Demand Planning Reforms Amid Anger

UPDATE: Frustration over Ireland’s planning system erupted at the November 2023 meeting of the Adare–Rathkeale Municipal District, as councillors criticized excessive red tape and a disconnect between planning authorities and rural communities.

Councillor Adam Teskey voiced his anger, stating that the current planning process is so restrictive that “the Irish are being ran out of their own country.” He emphasized that ordinary families seeking to build homes on inherited land face overwhelming obstacles at every turn. “Applicants are met with briefings on briefings,” Teskey lamented, leaving many feeling disheartened.

Echoing these sentiments, Councillor Stephen Keary raised concerns about the growing influence of environmental policies in planning decisions. He claimed that the presence of wind turbines is now being exploited as a reason to deny planning permission. “There is an attitude of ‘Oh, there’s a windmill within five kilometres of where you want to put your house, so you cannot build here,’” Keary said.

Critically, Keary warned that this trend is not just an inconvenience; it affects the fabric of rural communities. He noted, “There is more thought of the cuckoo nowadays than the Irish person who wants to build,” highlighting a troubling shift in focus away from community needs. Teskey added that planners appear to be prioritizing wildlife over the aspirations of young Irish families trying to secure housing.

The councillors also expressed alarm over companies purchasing land, displacing local families who wish to build on ancestral sites. This trend is reportedly creating “ghettos” in some housing estates, forcing young couples into high-density areas far from their roots.

Keary questioned the national policy’s lack of emphasis on repopulating rural areas. “Wouldn’t the common sense be to promote young couples moving into rural areas?” he asked passionately. He argued that these families would bolster local economies, contribute to community life, and ensure the survival of rural schools and clubs.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for reform in the planning system was palpable. Councillors are calling for immediate actions to address these concerns, urging national authorities to listen to the voices of their communities.

Residents of Limerick and beyond are encouraged to share their experiences and advocate for a planning system that prioritizes people over bureaucracy. This ongoing situation is expected to develop rapidly, and local leaders are poised to confront policymakers about the urgent need for change.

Stay tuned for updates as this critical issue unfolds.