Councillors in Meath have passed a motion supporting proposals by developers to construct a link road between Colpe in east Meath and Drogheda that would open up 600 acres of land for industrial and residential use.
The motion in favour of the road, which would be less than two miles long and cost around €12 million, was proposed by a number of councillors who also criticised council planners, saying the county had a name "for preventing rather than making things happen".
This was rejected by the county manager, Mr Tom Dowling, who said while there is the impression that council planners and officials are not enthusiastic about developments, "we will not allow poor-quality developments".
The debate was prompted by a motion from Slane councillors calling for the council to prepare an area action plan for the environs of Drogheda that would ensure that "adequate zoned and strategically sited industrial and community lands are available".
The motion was proposed by Cllr Jimmy Cudden (Independent), who said there are plans by three developers to open up lands between Colpe Cross on the N1 on the Louth/Meath border and the Marsh Road which runs along the southern edge of the Boyne in Drogheda.
Developers propose to build community and sporting facilities, including a new school and all-weather pitches, as well make land available for industry. The viability of the project would depend on the construction by the developers of a link road between Colpe Cross and the Marsh Road.
The developers made a presentation on the project at a meeting of area councillors last year and Cllr Cudden said the road could be built within 12 months.
It is anticipated that as part of an action plan for the area, the developers would want land zoned for residential use to allow for a large number of new houses.
The councillors want the developers, believed to include Shannon Homes, to meet council officials and draw up an action plan based around the proposed road.
No planning application has been made yet, but if it is, the council has said water and sewage infrastructure would have to be addressed. Drogheda's multi-million euro sewerage treatment plant has already had to increase its capacity, and Meath County Council is examining new sources of water.