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

Planning service figures under PPS21 not a true reflection - Boylan

Published: 30 July, 2009

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry/Armagh, Cathal Boylan commenting on planning approvals in the countryside under draft PPS21, has said

"The figures clearly show that the new policy provisions within the draft particularly in relation to farm dwellings and replacements are providing some much needed opportunities for various sectors within the rural community.

"However these figures should be taken in the context that planning service are currently holding all applications which have been recommended as refusal under draft pps21;The majority of these applications have yet to be determined upon. We must recognise that the figures released today are incomplete in that they are by and large only applications which can be definitively determined prior to the formulation of the final policy. The figures in themselves are not a true reflection given the number of applications awaiting determination and within these falls applications for rural people not involved in agriculture. It is important that we continue to support the rights of these people to ensure that their needs be addressed in any final policy,

"We have clearly seen an increase in opportunities since the introduction of the new draft proposals; however the figures released by the department should not deter and undermine the task of the independent working group assigned to address the issue of non-farming rural dwellers."