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Cover-up threatens enquiry

Waterford County Council admit 'error'

A major issue arose on Wednesday August 8th at the Oral Hearing into the proposed Waterford Bypass. The Waterford County Action Plan adopted as a variation of the County Development Plan on July 9th last contains a map of the proposed bypass that is different to the map that has been the subject of the hearing to date. Waterford County Council's witness, Mr. McCarthy, claimed under cross-examination that an 'error' had been made. Charges of concealment were made from the floor.

In effect therefore, the enquiry has been considering a route different to that in the Waterford Development Plan, something it should not have done. 

A scheme was put before the Hearing that is in material contravention of the Waterford County Council development plan.  

A Local Authority is bound by its Development Plan and is not allowed to breach or allow to be breached any element of the such Plan.

The hearing is now in its second week and has completed its fifth full day. It is scheduled to resume at 11am on Thursday 9th. August.

The issue arose late in the afternoon of Wednesday 8th and so the implications for the remainder of the hearing are unclear at this time.

Wednesday August 8th 2001