Councillors in Wicklow have gone against the advice of the County Manager and removed proposals for affordable housing from the local area plan.

Eddie Sheehy had laid out recommendations for new houses in Enniskerry to meet current demand.

However, according to local councillor Chris Fox the issue had proved divisive in the village.

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He called on colleagues to revert back to the original area plan, and discard plans for new housing.

This was challenged by councillor Nicky Kelly, who said the lack of affordable accommodation in Greystones, Delgany and Enniskerry is very well known.

He claimed the the council now had the opportunity to provide such housing.

Director of services Des O'Neill said the houses being proposed were more townhouses than affordable houses.

The members voted eleven to six to drop the proposal from the plan. Two councillors abstained and five people were not present.

(PR/JM)