Fears of planning free-for-all

Staffing crisis leads to huge backlog in planning enforcement

A BACKLOG of some 1,700 files relating to planning enforcement is a stark example of the impact a severe staffing shortage is having on operations of Galway County Council.

Complaints of unauthorised developments around the county date back for several years and concern has been expressed that people will build where and what they want. There are lengthy delays in housing applications while there isn’t anyone to staff the Rebuilding Ireland section pertaining to house purchase loans.

The staffing shortage crisis is affecting all departments and all areas of the county, and the local authority doesn’t have sufficient funds to hire more staff.

Read the full story in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops and online www.tuamherald.ie