This article is from page 6 of the 2006-11-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
A CAMPAIGN calling for the relaxation of planning restrictions around Shannon Airport is to be taken directly to the Department of Transport amid claims that civil servants are discriminating against people wishing to build homes in their local area.
Shannon electoral area councillor Pat McMahon (FF) launched a broadside against Department of Transport officials at this Monday’s monthly meeting of Clare County Council.
“There is wholesale discrimination because people are being prevented from building houses on the back of claims that they are in red zones around the airport,” said Cllr McMahon.
“This doesn’t stand up because refusing planning permission in the townland of Ballycalla in needless. There is a cluster of houses there already and refusing permission for more houses is wrong.
“It’s near a cross runway that hasn’t been used in 18 years and has grass growing on it,” he added.
Councillor McMahon said that the guidelines for red zones were outdated.
“The criteria being used is wrong – just look at other airports, some of the biggest in the world like Heathrow, JFK and O’Hare Airport. Their red zones are not as prohibitive as you have in Shannon.
“I have consistently asked why but never got a proper answer. I’m demanding it now.”
Councillor Madeleine Taylor Quinn (FG) rowed in behind Councillor McMahon and proposed that a Department of Transport official be summoned to address a meeting of the council. This was unanimously adopted.