Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

PPS21, Doesn't Go Far Enough

Published: 20 February, 2009

Sinn Féin Councillor Mary Doyle has said that the number of information days organised by the DOE for PPS21, are simply not sufficient to adequately inform the rural population of this proposal, and to allow people to voice their concerns.

Cllr Doyle said,

"The only information day for Armagh is being held in Richhill on the 25th February.Rural dwellers in the southern part of the district have simply not been considered."

"I contacted Minister Sammy Wilson's office and was told that they had been advised that this was a neutral venue to hold the information day there. I advised the DOE that this was not a venue which would be inclusive of the whole population and requested that another date and more neutral and more central venue be added to the schedule."

"I then contacted Cathal Boylan MLA who subsequently lobbied the organisers within DOE and although they were not willing to facilitate another date they agreed that they would have an information evening from 7pm till 9pm on the 25th February in the Armagh city Hotel."

"Although PPS21 is an improvement on PPS14, there are still major problems regarding the facilitation of non farming rural dwellers to build in rural areas. This is presently being examined by an independent body and their report is expected in a few months time. This matter is of real concern to us and I would encourage all to avail of the information available.

"My fear is that the children of rural dwellers will not have the opportunity to live near their families, this could ultimately lead to decreased population and the destruction of rural communities, as there may be far less young people to populate the schools and join our GAA clubs and community groups, traditional games, music and dance will be at risk and so in time vibrant rural communities could wither, like most people I treasure living in the countryside, so a fair and acceptable solution must be found, while maintaining the beauty of the countryside