Local Chamber slates planning system delays

Athlone Chamber has claimed the lack of a modern planning system in Ireland is deterring foreign investment. It made the claim, while highlighting what it said were "delays" encountered by the promoters of the proposed Europe China Trade Hub in Creggan. "This project has gone through a lengthy planning process which commenced in excess of three years ago," the chamber said in a statement, citing the zoning of the land, the preparation of a draft area plan, the local planning process and now the An Bord Pleanala appeal process. The statement said: " In 2007 it was reported that consultants were appointed to draft an area plan for the Creggan area. This involved an extensive study of the lands within the plan area as well as a study of the needs of the town, county and midlands region, also taking into consideration the National Planning Guidelines. "The 2008 - 2014 County Development Plan also outlined the intention to designate the lands for the strategic growth of Athlone. Again this plan would have been open to public consultation. Finally the proposed development has been open to public submissions. These submissions have been thoroughly assessed by the local authority prior to reaching a decision to grant planning permission." The Chamber argued the biggest problem with the current planning process was the ongoing delays and the uncertainty associated with such delays. "An Bord Pleanála aims to make decisions in 18 weeks but in reality, decisions can take up to a year. Hence potential foreign investors are likely to think twice when they see the difficulties that can arise," the Chamber argued. And the Athlone business group also voiced strong support for the China project, as proposed by Athlone Business Park Ltd. It said it was satisfied that the phased development was appropriate and would result in the sustainable growth of the town. "There is general support for the venture among the business community that this venture will be of immense benefit both commercially and economically in the area providing employment and investment and therefore to the wider community," the Chamber said. And it rejected claims the development may be environmentally unsustainable. "The impetus for the project arises out of the desire to save Irish and European business travellers the cost and effort of travelling to China to conduct business and in that regard not only does it serve a very definitive need but it will also will save on the business and environmental costs of long-haul travel to source goods and manage supply chains."