Cllr McGowan says that this new code which was only introduced last January will have a detrimental impact on county Leitrim.

"It will mean that sons and daughters of land owners will be unable to obtain planning permission to build on their own land, in large areas of the county because of the soil conditions which pertain here in Leitrim."

While he acknowledges that the protection of our rivers and water courses from pollution is right, he goes on to point out that this new code will have devastating effect on life in rural Leitrim unless the Department of the Environment reviews its policy in relation to the percolation test.

He says rural schools, GAA clubs the local shop and post offices will all be greatly affected and the county which has seen an increase in its population over the last decade, will "I fear once again see a reversal in its population, if young people are not allowed to build in their own local area."

Cllr McGowan, raised the question as to why "no one in the Oireachtas appeared to have been aware that such a code was to be introduced."

While acknowledging that is not new legislation, he feels such changes would have to be debated by the Environment committee in the Dail before it would become law. He says that it is important that every effort is made to have this situation reversed as a matter of urgency.