Minister for Housing and Planning Jan O’Sullivan has announced she will be intervening over the Midleton Town Development Plan 2013, which was adopted by councillors on 21 January 2013.

The direction issued by the Minister concerns the Town Council’s decision to zone certain lands in Mogeesha for town centre use and implement an open-space and recreation zoning status.

The Minister said she would be intervening because the land is in an area with a high flood risk and is contravening the Planning System and Flood Risk Guidelines.

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She says alternative lands to facilitate town centre expansion are available and that the removal of land from the town centre is not necessary.

Midleton Town Council will now be required to publish the notice for public consultation and provide for a consultation period up to a maximum of two weeks.

The manager of the Council will then have to report back to the Minister within four weeks of the consultation ending.

If no changes or further investigation are required, the Minister can then issue the direction within three weeks of receipt of the Manager’s Report.

The Minister may also appoint an inspector within three weeks of receipt of the Manager’s Report to review the draft direction and report back to the Minister for final decision.

Where the Minister issues a final direction, its terms will be incorporated into the plan.

(IT/GK)