Cork: Cork County Council has unanimously approved controversial changes to its development plan that would reserve up to 66% of homes in certain housing developments for Irish-language speakers, putting the local policy at odds with the government’s recently published national planning framework.
The measure is expected to apply only in areas with significant Irish-speaking populations and would cover developments of two or more homes in designated Gaeltacht areas.
Councillors approved the changes at a special meeting, with no votes against the proposals and only a small number of abstentions.
Major housing expansion also approved
Alongside the language-related provision, councillors approved changes to the county’s zoning arrangements that could facilitate the construction of up to 10,000 additional homes.
However, the Irish-language housing quota has attracted particular attention because it conflicts with the National Planning Statement (NPS) on Irish-Language Housing, published by the government in June.
The national policy recommends that 10% of homes in designated Irish-language planning areas can be reserved for people who use Irish on a daily basis. The policy is intended not only to protect the existing use of the Irish language but also to encourage its growth.
Cork’s policy significantly higher than national target
Cork has two designated Irish-language planning areas — Muskerry and Cape Clear.
Under the council’s newly approved provisions, the effective reservation could be substantially higher than the national policy’s 10% guideline. Once the national framework comes into force, the proportion applicable to the two Cork areas is expected to be around 33% and 35% respectively, according to the planning arrangements outlined for the areas.
Previously, Cork and Mayo had no specific Irish-language housing provisions. Councils in Kerry, Galway and Waterford have already introduced similar measures, while corresponding provisions are being considered in Meath and Donegal.
Council now faces national planning review
The council’s decision will now be subject to scrutiny under the national planning framework.
Under Section 61 of the National Planning Statement, local authorities must submit a report to the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) within two months confirming whether their development plans are substantially consistent with national planning policies and setting out how any discrepancies will be addressed.
If inconsistencies are identified, the local authority has six weeks to resolve them. The chief executive is then responsible for preparing a resolution for councillors to bring the development plan into line with national policy.
With Cork County Council having voted against the relevant planning amendment motion, the matter could ultimately be decided at national level.
The Office of the Planning Regulator can make a recommendation to the relevant Minister, who has the power to direct the council to amend its development plan if it is found to be inconsistent with the National Planning Statement.
The Department of Housing has also indicated that a public consultation on the National Planning Statement on Irish-Language Housing will take place.
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