While the citizens of Oughterard gallantly fight on to save their community from a planned migrant plantation the Taoiseach has said there should be “communication” between the Department of Justice and the local citizenry to allay their fears.
However, in light of Varadkar’s comments calling for communication it would be pertinent to remember that the government is under no obligation communicate with the local government representatives following the legislation passed in December 2015.
Just before Christmas break in 2015 then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, signed into law the “Planning and Development Amendment” (S.I No. 582 of 2015).
This change in the law made hotels and other business exempt from seeking “change of use” planning from their local council which allows for Direct Provision centres to be established with absolutely no consultation with the local community, and without even having to inform them.
Since taking their stand against the migrant plantation in their small, rural town the government, along with major media outlets, has attempted to dismiss their fears with some Ministers even trying to browbeat the Irish citizens of Galway into submission.
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