Rights of Way must be included in new County Development Plan say Greens

According to the Green Party councillor, public rights of way were not included in the last County Development Plan because of the controversy that surrounded them. "The council's intention was to include them in the Plan at a later stage but that never happened" says de Burca. "Now we have a new Plan being drafted and it appears that the rights of way will not be included in this Plan either".

The Green Party councillor insists that the inclusion of public rights of way in the County Development Plan gives them official status as far as planning is concerned. "These rights of way have existed over many decades and yet they are increasingly under threat because of development" she says. "If they are not included in the new County Development Plan, people will find it much harder to appeal to an Bord Pleanala on the grounds that a proposed development will impact on a right of way".

Councillor de Burca has expressed her concern that some of the councillors on Wicklow County Council appear more concerned with protecting the property interests of private landowners and developers rather than ensuring that public amenities are safeguarded. She has called on her fellow councillors to support a motion to have public rights of way included in the new County Development Plan.

For further information please contact Deirdre de Burca on 086 8061450 or email deburca@wicklowgreens.org.