A number of West Waterford based councillors have expressed their surprise that the Duckspool Development has been granted planning permission.
The 218 home development was given the green light by An Bord Pleanála despite a recommendation of rejection from Waterford Council.
Residents are now exploring any potential avenues to appeal the strategic housing development.
Speaking at the monthly meeting of Dungarvan/Lismore area representatives, Sinn Fein Councillor Conor McGuinness has questioned where the decision leaves Waterford Council:
"It did come as a bit of a shock certainly to me when that decision was arrived at, given the strength of the Chief Executive's report submitted to An Bord Pleanala given the concerns raised in that document and in the forum both the workshop that councillors participated in and the open district meeting we participated in - where does that leave the council as a corporate body in relation to that application?"
Labour Party Councillor Thomas Phelan said Waterford Council might as well leave the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) and An Bord Plenala write the county development plan themselves:
"Between the OPR on one side and An Bord Pleanala on the other, our input into our plan is getting smaller and smaller and we might as well leave it to them to write it between them and let us know what they want us to do.
"Secondly, seeing as An Bord Pleanala went against the cogent and very logical recommendation of the council, will the council have the courage of our convictions and initiate or support judicial proceedings to stand up for ourselves and our ability to plan for our future developments in the county?"
Fine Gael Councillor Pat Nugent said flood prevention works must be undertaken at the site before any works get underway, given the concerns of flooding in the area.
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