Government delay sanctioning new Sligo County Development Plan is blocking housing delivery

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

A unanimously backed motion before a meeting of Sligo County Council has called for the immediate publication of the Final Ministerial Order for the County Development Plan with the delay said to be preventing the local authority from delivering on the housing needs.

Cllr Edel McSharry said the ongoing delay, now approaching a full year, had become “an active barrier to progress, housing delivery, and sound planning” across the county.

“The council adopted the Development Plan following public consultation and democratic debate. Yet, almost 12 months later, Sligo remains in limbo because the Department of Housing has failed to issue the Final Ministerial Order,” Cllr McSharry said.

“This paralysis is not local. It lies squarely with the Department. The Government has publicly called for more housing delivery, yet it’s own inaction is blocking local authorities like Sligo from doing exactly that.”

Following the motion’s passage, a planning meeting with councillors was convened this week to examine what immediate steps the Council can take to progress stalled developments and identify any interim planning solutions.

Cllr McSharry emphasised the urgency of ensuring that housing projects are not left to stagnate while awaiting central Government clearance.

“Sligo needs clarity, not bureaucracy. Every month of delay means more families waiting for homes, more investment on hold, and more uncertainty for planners and developers. We cannot allow red tape to derail local progress,” she added.

Cllr McSharry called on the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, together with Minister of State John Cummins TD to issue the Final Ministerial Order immediately, reflecting the decisions of Sligo’s elected members, the new Section 28 Guidelines, and national housing priorities.

“This is about good governance and respect for local democracy. Sligo County Council is ready to deliver, but we need the Department to match that urgency. It’s time to move from delay to delivery.”