The outcome of today’s Special Meeting of Wexford County Council now leaves the
decision on the proposed Direct Provision Centre in Rosslare Harbour in the hands of
An Bord Pleanala.
A three page Legal Opinion by Poe Kiely Hogan Lanigan Solicitors in Kilkenny which
was addressed to the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, was distributed to
Councillors shortly before the commencement of the Special Meeting and it stated
that “To pass a resolution in line with the terms that are before the Special Meeting
would be to attempt to interfere with the lawful discharge of the Local Authority’s
functions, and it could expose the Council to action from a third party.”
The legal opinion also stated that “Councillors must be aware that they cannot by
motion or otherwise interfere or give direction to the Executive in relation to any live
planning matter.”
Rosslare Independent Councillor, Ger Carthy, was at the meeting today and spoke to South East Radio News about the outcome:
“Todays meeting was a disappointing day for local democracy. It leaves many unanswered questions for the people of Rosslare and the wider community. We just now have to wait the outcome of a number of planning decisions with An Bord Pleanála so it’s a waiting game. The people of Rosslare Harbour will have to continue picketing three gates around the Old Great Southern Hotel and burning timber, which is disappointing for those people and that community.”
You can hear the full report on todays meeting on Morning Mix tomorrow, Thursday 30th November at 10am.
