*Cllr PJ Kelly. Photograph: John Mangan
CLARE’s longest serving councillor has voiced his fury at the delays associated with securing legal advice on aspects to the County Development Plan.
Having been vocal on the issue throughout the year, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) at the September sitting of Clare County Council requested legal advice on “the presumed legality/constitutionality of the proposal in County Development Plan to control development by the imposition of an allocation of population process”.
When this had not been issued over two months later, the Lissycasey representative aired his frustrations. “There has been millions spent and I’m disappointed not to have a reply, we’re really putting ourselves at risk”.
Director of Economic Development, Liam Conneally flagged that legal opinion had been circulated via email to councillors, “I’m not sure if it’s in your inbox”.
Some councillors had received the correspondence while others including Cllr Kelly were unable to access their Council email via mobile. “This is a joke, why didn’t we get it last week or a written copy with the agenda”.
Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling advised the meeting that he had mistakenly told Cllr Kelly before the meeting the legal opinion had not been received.
“It’s a joke the chosen few are here,” Cllr Kelly interjected. “Can I finish,” Dowling responded, “It has arrived, not at the speed which you wanted but it has been circulated. It is prudent for councillors to digest it now and then a full robust debate can take place”.
Included in the legal opinion, The Clare Echo understands, is a stipend that the detail cannot be released to the public and thus the media.
