The issue was raised by North Leitrim Community activist Mr Gabriel McSharry, who expressed concern that Leitrim County Council had sold off lands worth tens of thousands of euro for a development in Manorhamilton town centre for the sum of €100.

Mr McSharry made a further claim this week that the County Council have agreed to purchase back some of the development for €900,000.

This claim was refuted by Cllr Michael Colreavy, who said the matter would be explained in full at the public meeting. He said the meeting will be attended by all relevant parties and is expected to by chaired by Ocean FM presenter Gerry Farry.

Those expected to be in attendance at the meeting on Tuesday next include a representative from the Council's planning department, a spokesperson for the Manorhamilton Enterprise Forum and an architect from the proposed development. Cllr Michael Colreavy will also make a presentation on behalf of the local councillors in the area.

In a statement to the Leitrim Observer this week, Mr McSharry claimed that not only had the Council sold the land for a nominal fee, but it now had to buy back a portion of the land at a much higher price.
"I have investigated this case and I now have the relevant evidence and documentation which confirms that the lands in question was sold by the councillors under the terms of Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001.

"There were only three conditions attached to the sale. These were that the formal transfer would not take place until the development had commenced and that the Council was happy that the development would be completed, that car parking lost would be replaced within the development, and that each party would be responsible for its own legal fees.

"We are being told this development will benefit everyone and that Leitrim County Council would even be provided with offices to provide a 'One-Stop-Shop' in the development.

"However, what we have not been told and what I have discovered is that Leitrim County Council will have to pay the sum of €900,000 to buy this small bit of property for the 'One-Stop-Shop," said Mr McSharry
He said it was important that the public meeting would deal with the issues raised to allay concerns among local people.

"Suggestions that the developers are going to provide extra car parking spaces for the people of this community out of the goodness of their hearts is also a nonsense.

"The reality is that the developers are legally obliged under planning legislation to provide the parking spaces in question to cater for the new residential units, offices and shops in the development.
"In fact it is the view of many local people that the car parking spaces will be inadequate to cater for the new residential units, the offices and the retail and commercial units.

"The people of this community are most anxious that the public meeting to deal with the Council's decision takes place as soon as possible.
"We now need openness and transparency and it is important that all the local councillors and the directors of the Manorhamilton Enterprise Forum attend the meeting as the public have many questions to raise with regard to the sale and development of the land in question," said Mr McSharry.

The meeting will take place in the Community Centre at 8pm on Tuesday evening next, September 5.