The zoning for development of land which was subject to flooding without first carrying out a full hydrological study was described as "crazy" by a Louth county councillor yesterday.
The council was debating a plan for the coastal villages of Termonfeckin and Baltray.
Both villages are popular and much sought after by house-buyers and Cllr Michael O'Dowd said that the plan, which was subsequently adopted by the council, was "flawed" because the survey was not to be carried out before any further developments took place.
He proposed that the council carry out the study because there had been "four significant floodings" in Termonfeckin in the last two years. "During the last floods in November, the council said it was a once-off event, and yet we had more flooding three weeks later."
Mr O'Dowd also asked that landowners prove that their lands do not flood or contribute to flooding.
However, planning official Mr Gerry Duffy said that there was a dilemma because, if the council zoned the land, it would be making a statement that it was suitable for development. He pointed out thatit would also take time to carry out any hydrological study.
Mr Duffy said that the council did not believe that the land would flood, but he would not object to developers having to state their satisfaction that the lands in question were not liable to flooding.
The council eventually passed the plan, but it included an amendment that "a hydrological survey be carried out for the catchment area of the Termonfeckin River in line with national policy".
Mr O'Dowd voted against the plan, saying that such a survey should be carried out first.