Ray Butler (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome An Bord Pleanála’s decision last week that Narconon-Scientology needs planning permission for its drug rehabilitation centre in Ballivor. I spoke at length in the House about this facility. Meath County Council's planning section said it did not need planning permission. Section 5 was used to change the usage of the building in question from a nursing home to a drug-related rehabilitation facility. The change was not publicised and went ahead. Nobody in the community of Ballivor knew about it until there were leaks from the local authority. It was terrible to see how split the community was. The matter will be back with Meath County Council if Narconon seeks planning permission again. The facility will use drug-related methods that are not HSE or HIQA approved. It is located beside schools, a playground, a community centre and a playschool. We have all read about and seen what Narconon and Scientology really are around the world. I want the Minister responsible for local government to legislate to stop section 5 from being used without its use being publicised. What I really want is for Meath County Council to step up to the mark and do the right thing for Meath, including Ballivor, by preventing the facility from ever going ahead.