Leitrim Council Council is to go ahead with a ten-house development in Ballinamore despite objections being raised by local residents.
A vote was required to approve the decision at this morning's M.D meeting - with one Councillor unable to participate as he was uncontactable due to technology issues
Earlier this year the local authority published plans to build an additional ten homes in Lahard, Ballinamore.
However, residents were unhappy with the impact the plans would have on traffic and pedestrian movements, the condition of pavements, green space removal as well as flood risk and water treatment capacity.
An Bord Pleanala was also asked to rule on an appeal concerning environmental assessments required for the project, which they ultimately rejected.
This morning local Councilors at the Ballinamore M.D were asked to approve the 'Part 8 Planning' proposal for the project, however, Ita Reynolds Flynn opposed the motion, and was supported by Caillian Ellis.
Director of services Mary Quinn outlined that there are 46 people are currently on the housing list for Ballinamore, and the Council would take on board concerns raised, especially around footpaths, and work with residents in tandem with the development and strongly recommended its approval.
A counter-motion to approve the plan was tabled by Councilor Enda McGloin, with a vote was taken to gauge its support.
However, Councillor Gerry Dolan, due to technical issues, was unable to vote in the Microsoft Teams meeting as he was uncontactable and was ultimately marked absent, despite several efforts by Council staff - and the counter-proposal was successful three votes to two for the project to go ahead - with Councillor Mc Gloin, Councillor Paddy O 'Rourke and Councillor Brendan Barry in favour, and Councillors Ellis and Reynolds Flynn opposed.
The meeting heard that it will be two years before the houses will be ready for tenants and people living in Ballinamore already will be the likely future residents.
