Carlow councillors have attacked the planning appeals board, claiming it has "something against" the Bagenalstown area.

Councillor Paddy Kiely raised concerns over the level of planning objections, with colleague David O'Brien suggesting Bord Pleanala is "answerable to no-one".

Mr O'Brien said the appeals body did not know development areas any better than locals.

Both men also blasted 'serial objectors' in the area. Mr Kiely said 'well heeled' objectors were stifling development potential in the town and thus stopping the creation of much-needed jobs.

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"We have serial objectors in Bagenalstown," he said. "There have been developers here who were willing to invest but their plans were cut by the throat and strangled to death."

Mr O'Brien acknowledged the right of everyone to object to developments, but said some individuals were constantly objecting to plans.

At the council meeting, Councillor Joe Manning pushed for the redevelopment of Main Street where several shop units have remained unused.

"We don't want to end up like a doughnut, rotten at the centre," he said. "I grew up on Main Street and when I was there, there was a family in every house."

(PR/KMcA)