BANKERS AND developers are being hounded by politicians and the public for engaging in outrageous corporate behaviour and inappropriate lending. And rightly so. But the ghost housing estates and flood-plain developments that disfigure the countryside are not their responsibility alone.
Planning permissions for these dreadful developments were granted by councillors, frequently against the advice of council officials. Elected representatives should also face their responsibilities.
There was not much sign of that happening at Sligo County Council when members voted against aspects of three river basin management plans because they might be unpopular with voters. The plans have been in preparation since 2004 and are designed to allow Ireland meet its EU obligations under the water framework directive. Those obligations involve protection of the environment and ensuring that all rivers and lakes meet “good water status” by 2015. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is centrally involved.
One of the proposals envisages an ongoing inspection of more than 400,000 septic tanks that are not connected to sewage systems. More than 25,000 of these have been found to be sub-standard. The EPA suggested a new system of licensing and inspections, with planning permission for new homes dependent on suitable ground conditions for waste systems.
Councillors were outraged by the idea. In the same way, they deleted all references to planned legislation that could allow local authorities introduce water charges in the future. They also excised a section that found nearly one-third of farmers were breaching the nitrates directive on water pollution.
Their populist behaviour followed advice from the county manager that they did not have the legal power to alter the plans because other councils were simultaneously engaged in considering them. They could accept the plans; reject them or send a resolution to the Minister seeking specific changes. But they could not amend them. If they did, they would be overruled.
They ignored his advice and did what came easy. Such political grandstanding may seem unimportant. But it sends a negative message to those responsible for cleaning up our rivers and lakes. It shows how important it is to have the European Commission insisting that the work be done.
The Shannon basin plan involves 18 local authorities. Some have already adopted it. Those councillors take their duties seriously.