John Gormley, TD (right), Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, has said he cannot comment directly on current Garda investigations into planning and re-zoning matters in County Waterford.Gardaí have interviewed all of the elected Waterford county councillors and some council officials, following an allegation of planning irregularities.
This evening senior Gardaí in Dungarvan (the county town of Co. Waterford) have stressed that there is no cloud hanging over the councillors or council officials, and they have done absolutely nothing wrong.
Superintendent Tom O'Grady said the councillors and officials were interviewed as part of their investigations and nothing more.
The Minister has confirmed that his department will be writing to Waterford County Council about the proposal to re-zone 300 acres of land outside Dungarvan (above) from agricultural to industrial use. He said that he is concerned with the scale of the proposed development, adding that he believes there are some problems with the infrastructural capacity in the area. He also said it is not in keeping with the regional planning guidelines and the government's Spatial Strategy.The Emerald Islander
