The Craic is Mighty: Why the Criminal Assets Bureau Should Investigate Unauthorised Developments in Kildare
Begorrah! It seems like the good people of County Kildare are up in arms about the rise of unauthorised developments (UDs) in their fair county. And who can blame them? I mean, who wants to wake up one morning to find a new extension on the neighbour’s gaff, or a shiny new shed in the middle of a field, without so much as a by-your-leave from the local authorities? It’s enough to drive you mad, so it is!
But, in all seriousness, the issue of unauthorised developments in Kildare is a grave concern, and one that requires immediate attention from the powers that be. That’s why a number of politicians are calling for the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) to investigate these rogue developments and put a stop to them once and for all.
So, what exactly is an unauthorised development, you ask? Well, it refers to any building or change to a property that needs planning permission, but doesn’t have it. Simple as that. And, let me tell you, it’s not just a matter of someone throwing up a wonky shed in their back garden. Oh no, these UDs can be full-blown constructions, with all the trimmings: concrete, steel, the works. And, more often than not, they’re built without so much as a thought for the local community, or the environment, for that matter.
Now, you might be wondering why this is such a big deal. After all, what’s a few extra buildings, or changes to a property, here and there? But, the thing is, unauthorised developments can have serious consequences. For one, they can be a blight on the local landscape, ruining the natural beauty of the area and devaluing nearby properties. And, for another, they can be a safety hazard, with inadequate construction and no proper oversight.
And, let’s not forget the fiscal implications. Unauthorised developments can result in significant losses for the local council, in terms of unpaid development levies and other taxes. And, of course, there’s the potential for organised crime to be involved, using UDs as a way to launder dirty money and fund their nefarious activities. Ah, ’tis a tangled web, indeed!
So, what can be done about it, you ask? Well, that’s where the CAB comes in. The Criminal Assets Bureau is a specialist agency, tasked with investigating and disrupting the activities of organized crime groups, and seizing their ill-gotten gains. And, in this case, they’re the perfect outfit to tackle the problem of unauthorised developments in Kildare.
By investigating these rogue developments, the CAB can get to the bottom of who’s behind them, and why. Are they the work of rogue developers, looking to make a quick buck, or is there something more sinister at play? And, once they’ve got to the root of the problem, they can start to take action, seizing assets and bringing those responsible to book.
And, it’s not just about punishing the perpetrators, either. The CAB’s involvement can also serve as a deterrent, warning others who might be thinking of engaging in similar activities. After all, who wants to risk losing their shirt, or worse, to the CAB? Not many, I’d wager.
Of course, the CAB can’t do it alone. They’ll need the support of local authorities, and the community, to really make a difference. That’s why it’s essential for everyone to get on board, and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities. If you see something, say something, as the saying goes.
In conclusion, the rise of unauthorised developments in County Kildare is a serious issue, one that requires immediate attention and action. By calling in the Criminal Assets Bureau, we can get to the bottom of this problem, and put a stop to it once and for all. So, let’s all do our part, and work together to keep our county beautiful, and our communities safe. Sláinte, Kildare!
What You Can Do to Help:
- Report any suspicious activity to the local authorities
- Support the CAB’s efforts to tackle unauthorised developments
- Get involved in your local community, and help to raise awareness about the issue
- Contact your local representatives, and express your concerns about UDs in Kildare
The Facts:
- Unauthorised developments can result in significant losses for the local council
- UDs can be a safety hazard, with inadequate construction and no proper oversight
- The CAB is a specialist agency, tasked with investigating and disrupting the activities of organized crime groups
- The CAB has the power to seize assets, and bring those responsible to book
The Law:
- The Planning and Development Act 2000 is the main legislation governing planning and development in Ireland
- The Act requires that all developments, including changes to properties, must have planning permission
- Failure to comply with the Act can result in significant fines, and even prosecution
By working together, we can make a difference, and keep County Kildare a beautiful, and safe, place to live. So, let’s get started, shall we?
