Council to go down the legal route for planning violations

LEGAL proceedings for seven cases of planning violations have been initiated by South Dublin County Council over the last year.

Fianna Fáil councillor Charlie O’Connor asked the council to confirm the data this week, after receiving a number of requests from members of the community as to whether action was being rigorously applied.

“I just wanted to make sure of the pace at which action is being taken, and that it can be speeded up, to serve people’s concerns,” said Cllr O’Connor.

Cllr O’Connor questioned if the enforcement process is properly resourced, and how many enforcement cases have gone to section 156 (planning violations) and to court.

In response, a spokesperson for SDCC said: “The enforcement section of the local authority has two staff assigned to it full-time who investigate complaints, undertake site inspections and compile reports and recommendations. In addition a number of administrative staff provide support to the entire enforcement process.”

Up to 31 enforcement notices were served by the council – 10 in Templeogue/Terenure and eight in Lucan.

Legal proceedings have been initiated in seven cases – three in Tallaght-Central, two in Clondalkin, and one each in Lucan and Rathfarnham.