Latest news with #LouthCountyCouncil
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Louth councillor calls out risk of ‘wild west' scenario in wind energy
The comments were made by Cllr. Maeve Yore at the July meeting of Louth County Council, in response to a motion brought before the local authority. Cllr. Kevin Callan submitted the motion calling on the council to write to the Minister for Local Government 'urgently requesting the publication of updated Wind Energy Development Guidelines.' He highlighted that current guidelines, dating from 2006 'remain in effect despite being widely acknowledged as outdated and no longer fit for purpose.' He said there had been a 'prolonged delay since the first draft guidelines were issued in 2019.' Cllr. Callan continued: 'Furthermore, in recognition of the uncertainty caused by the absence of an up-to-date national policy or regulation, this council calls on the Minister to introduce a temporary pause on all large-scale onshore wind farm developments, pending the finalisation and adoption of revised Wind Energy guidelines/regulation.' He stated that the motion 'reflects this council's commitment to ensuring that renewable energy development proceeds in a manner that is appropriately planned, environmentally sustainable, respects people's rights and protects health and wellbeing of local communities, and recognises the need for robust regulation is urgently required.' A large group of residents from the Kellystown and Monasterboice area of County Louth were in attendance at the council meeting. EDF Renewables Ireland is planning a significant development, named Kellystown Wind Farm, in an area north of Drogheda. Cllr. Declan Power welcomed the motion, saying that it 'reflects genuine concern, not only in County Louth but across the country.' He said plans for wind farms can lead to 'stressed out communities' located near to proposed sites, adding that residents of Kellystown and the wider area are 'fiercely concerned' about the proposed development in their area. "I believe that our communities fully understand the need to address climate change, and for renewable energy,' said Cllr. Power. But he added that in the absence of up to date guidelines large scale wind farm projects are being planned under outdated legislation. He acknowledged: 'We are an island nation with some of the strongest wind resources in Europe, we have great opportunities to lead on renewable energy, but to do the development must be community sensitive, respects people's rights, protects our environment and be based on up-to-date regulations.' Cllr. Maeve Yore also supported the motion, saying 'successive governments have never shown leadership in relation to proper planning or legislation on wind energy, and appropriate locations for wind farms.' She said the lack of guidelines leads to the risk of a 'developer led, profit driven, wild-west scenario' adding that off shore wind farms are the best solution. Cllr. Yore highlighted a 'lack of community engagement' around wind farm projects, saying that this 'adds to a real feeling of mistrust.' Cllr. Kevin Meenan voiced his support for the motion, saying that he 'did not understand the procrastination in publishing up to date guidelines.' Cllr. Marianne Butler added the issue has been continually raised at national and local level, and it was: 'extremely disappointing to see that there isn't even a timeline anymore.' "There is no urgency, there doesn't seem to be any political will here.' She added: 'That being said, we are in an emergency, we do have a responsibility to future generations to act.' Cllr. John Sheridan acknowledged the attendance of residents from Kellystown at the meeting, saying that there was anxiety also on other parts of Louth about solar project that were in planning. Cllr. Dolores Minogue said that a policy which supports renewable energy, but also respects rural communities was needed. Cllr. Pio Smith added his support for the motion, highlighting the confusion around which guidelines should be followed, the 2006 guidelines or the 2019 draft guidelines.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Special meeting in Louth to decide on Local Property Tax (LPT) rate
The issue was raised at the July meeting of the local authority, where councillors heard that as this is a 'revaluation year' they would have to make a decision before the end of August on whether the LPT base rate will be amended, or if it will remain the same. The meeting was told that in any other year a decision would have to be taken by the middle of October, with a workshop held in September, ahead of the annual budget meeting. But this year the onus is on members to make a decision by August 31. Director of Service, Bernie Woods, explained that for every one per cent increase or decrease represents €115,251 for the local authority and the full increase of 15% would be just over €1.7 million. She explained that if they decide to increase or decrease the rate, councillors can also decide how many years this change would apply to, up to 2030. Ms. Woods added that for 2026 Louth County Council has received an additional €600,000 in their Local Property Tax allocation. The baseline is now €11.966 million before any decision is taken by the members. She explained that although the bands have changed, it 'hasn't had a major affect', with almost 90% of households in Louth falling within the first three bands. Around 48% of households in Louth are in the first band, which means a LPT of €95 in 2026 (Valuation up to €240k), over 24% fall within the second band of €235 (up to €315k), and just over 18% are on the third band rate of €333 (up to €420k). A further 10% are in top rate of over €333 (Valuation over €420k). The Director of Service outlined the weekly increase on the householder, if members agreed to increase the rate, explaining that a 1% increase would mean just 2 cents extra per week for properties that fall in the lowest band, and six cents a week for households which are in the third band. An increase of 5% would cost those on the first band an extra 9 cents per week, and an additional 32 cents each week for properties that fall within band three. Louth County Council does not hold a monthly meeting in August, so it was advised a special meeting could be held to ensure a decision is made by 31st August. Cllr. Pio Smith proposed that councillors defer making any decision until a special meeting is held, to discuss the matter further. This was seconded by Cllr. Andrea McKevitt. It was agreed to hold the meeting on August 26. Cllr. John Sheridan told members that they should 'think very carefully about this over the new few weeks.' He said there had been 'huge fanfare a few weeks ago about the Local Democracy Taskforce and the review of local government,' but added this issue had been 'on the books since 2013, and Louth has never made a move on it.' He added that a number of other councils had made changes over the last few weeks. "We are talking about more powers, but this is a power we have never had the courage to engage with.' 'My own personal view is that most constituents are rational if you can discuss something with them, if you can show projects which are deliverable with this you can win an argument in relation to it.' "So I appeal to my colleagues to have constructive decisions about this over the coming weeks.'
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Louth public invited to St. Nicholas Quarter information event
Louth County Council, who are leading the project, confirmed that ahead of Phase 2 of the major town centre redevelopment project, an information session will be held in Dundalk Town Hall. St. Nicholas Quarter Phase 2 is a regeneration scheme aiming to transform the area around Bridge Street, Linenhall Street, Northgate Street and Peace Park. The area is home to a mixture of residential, retail and commercial properties, which are set to benefit from the public realm upgrades already underway. As the project will soon be entering the second phase, Louth County Council are keen to hear the views of the public. The information day will provide an opportunity to look at initial designs, which have been drafted using feedback from the first consultation, and to meet the team behind the project. All are welcome to drop into the family friendly event taking place at the Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk on Thursday 31st from 3pm to 8pm.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Louth County Council asked to improve maintenance at Navvy Bank
Cllr. Robert Nash highlighted the Navvy Bank, a scenic walkway along Dundalk Bay, which is a favourite of walkers, runners, sight-seeing visitors and dog walkers. Speaking at the monthly meeting of Louth County Council, he said; "I am always championing the Navvy Bank as a great amenity in town, but I was down there last week, and the maintenance of it is really poor.' He added: 'There is a facility there for parking but it needs to be better developed. We need to put in a proper car park there. No Mow May hasn't helped either, because it is overgrown the whole time.' He called on the council to look at the maintenance of the amenity over the coming months.
Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Swift action of Louth dog wardens praised following XL Bully reports
Louth County Council dog wardens were praised for their response to reports of 'dangerous dogs' roaming in Muirhevnamor. Dundalk councillor, Kevin Meenan, had raised the issue last week, following a number of incidents in the area, including one where a dog reported to be an XL Bully, had run on to a public area where children had been playing. Speaking at the July meeting of Louth County Council, Cllr. Meenan said he 'wanted to praise the work of dog wardens' for their response to these incidents. "We had two issues, one involved an XL Bully and another breed. The dog wardens were very prompt in their actions, very swift, and great at communicating back about the action they had taken.' "It is not an easy job they do,' said Cllr. Meenan. 'It is a very difficult job they have, and they get a lot of abuse for what they do as well. I think it is important to acknowledge the work they do.' Director of Services at Louth County Council, David Hanratty, acknowledged the comments praising dog wardens 'and the tough job they do.'
