Hundreds of land re-zonings in Co Monaghan have been overturned by the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, as a result of his rejection of the County Development Plan.
Against advice from local officials and the Department, Monaghan County Councillors had approved the plan, which could have allowed enough houses be built to accommodate a near 200% increase in population.
The last census showed the number of people living in Monaghan had risen by 6.5% to nearly 56,000.
But earlier this year, elected councillors approved a new development plan for the county, which could have seen that figure rise by an extra 1,000 people.
Many of the re-zonings were opposed by the council's own planners and the Department of the Environment. There were around 300 instances where land was rezoned, usually from agricultural to residential use, making it far more valuable.
Minister Gormley, said the rezoning was 'excessive, sporadic and haphazard' and did not conform to proper planning guidelines. He said he had to act.
Local councillors say they are disappointed at the Minister's decision and say there was a valid reason for so many re-zonings.
Cllr Padraig McNally said they had hoped that by rezoning so much land it would force down its value and thus make houses cheaper.
However, following the Minister's decision the councillors will now have to accept the development plan put forward by the County Manager without their re-zonings.
