Residents of Rathcormac, Co Cork, yesterday vowed to fight a planned housing development in the area. They claimed the town had become an "adjective for over-development" and could not absorb further growth unless amenities were put in place.
Some 520 houses have been built in the north Cork town over the last two years. Cork councillors yesterday voted to zone additional land for housing in the village during the second day of meetings to discuss the 2005 County Development Plan.
Batt O'Connell, of the Rathcormac Community Council, said it was madness to contemplate more land for housing in a town that has campaigned for a new national school for 10 years to no avail. "To get a new school is my priority. We have 148 pupils in the local school, and they have five Portacabins in the playground. We feel shafted again."
Eileen O'Brien, who moved to Rathcormac six years ago from Cork city because she wanted to live a "country life", said she was upset at the decision to zone land for at least 300 new houses.
She was not against development per se but said the village needed a period to build amenities to coincide with its recent growth. "I am a firm believer in people power, and I have hope that the people of Rathcormac will rally together."
Sinn Féin councillor Martin Hallinan said the village needed breathing space after rapid development. Rathcormac was devoid of any recreational facilities other than four pubs and a Chinese restaurant.
However, Fianna Fáil councillor Kevin O'Keefe said it was necessary to fast-track more housing estates to allow for the development of amenities.
Fine Gael councillor PJ Sheehan said it was important to consider the positive impact of growth in towns such as Rathcormac. "Twenty-five years ago Rathcormac was a sleepy little hamlet. The doors of the businesses and shops were closed because of a lack of patrons. That little derelict village is now a vibrant town."
Meanwhile, a village two miles from Rathcormac is facing a "worrying future", a community group claimed yesterday after further land was earmarked for housing at the development plan meeting.
Locals in Bartlemy, which has just 26 houses, have expressed concern that it will become a crowded suburb of Cork city.
Under the terms of the plan, up to 200 new houses could be built in the area.