Members of the county council split, with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael members supporting rezoning proposals for a number of sites in Carrickmines. The proposals, which will allow for the construction of almost 700 houses at Glenamuck Road and an industrial estate at Carrickmines Great, were carried by 15 votes to 12. In opposition were members of the Labour Party, Progressive Democrats, Democratic Left and the Green Party.
Following votes on a number of issues, Mr Denis O'Callaghan (Democratic Left) said: "There is a pattern here and it is clear from the co-signings of motions that there is a rezoning consensus. The only difference between this and Dublin County Council in the 1980s is we do not have landowners laughing in the public gallery. I have no doubt, however, that with modern technology they are being kept fully informed."
Replying, the leader of the Fianna Fail group, Mrs Betty Coffey, said that she took exception to remarks made by Mr O'Callaghan. She also defended last week's decision to rezone 200 acres of land for housing at Stepaside, claiming that this was "strategic".
She continued: "Panic house-buying has stopped over the weekend because the signal is going out that Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown will supply the land it very badly needs for housing. It is wrong to make innuendos and suggestions about one section of the council who will support rezoning. We are obliged to plan for our children. My own son bought a house in The Gallops. Planning is about people, not buildings."