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‘Crazy’ frog policy blasted
17.10.11
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
AN Inishowen county councillor has blasted as
‘crazy’ a planning policy that will stop houses from
being built here if a frog is discovered near the
site of the proposed development. Newtown
politician, Cllr Paul Canning claims the latest set
of regulations, which will stop any building on
areas near ‘Natura 2000’ protected habitats, are the
‘last straw’ for rural people in the peninsula.
“I am appalled at the crazy policies that are coming
down the track. If you are applying for planning
permission in Donegal and discover that you have a
certain type of frog in you site, planning
permission will be refused,” he warned.
“Donegal has a large area covered by ‘Natura 2000’
sites and if you are unfortunate enough to be
building upstream, uphill or in the vicinity of
these sites, forget about it! Along with the
unsolved septic tank issue, this is the last straw
for the rural people of Donegal,” he added angrily. |
Under the latest
Mitigation from Habitats Directive Assessment
report, any physical development, such as housing,
commercial development, roads, ports or service
infrastructure, that could directly or indirectly
impact on a Natura 2000 site will be refused
planning permission.
Cllr. Canning claims the proposed new directive is
part of a wider agenda, which will lead to an
increase in emigration here. |
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Paul Canning. |
“I think there’s a
hidden agenda by Department officials to stop rural
development. I spoke to the head of the Rural
Dwellers Association and he informed me that he can
back up my opinion. As always, we [Ireland] will be
the first to implement yet another policy that will
drive our young rural community abroad,” he said.
“I have met with my fellow Councillors and
Oireachtas members to discuss this and we will make
our submission to the Council. We also intend to
organise public meetings to inform the people of the
proposals. This crazy policy making has to stop,”
Cllr. Canning added. |
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