Silent Majority: Inquiry extension highlights cost of repeated disruption to Dalradian Hearings
The Silent Majority Community Group has said the extension of the Dalradian Public Inquiry until November demonstrates the need for proceedings to remain focused on testing planning evidence rather than becoming sidetracked by repeated procedural disputes.
A revised timetable published by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) now provides for hearings to continue until November 14, 2026, increasing the total number of scheduled hearing days from 24 to 55.
The group said the longer the inquiry continues, the greater the potential cost to local ratepayers, particularly given Fermanagh and Omagh District Council's decision to actively oppose the application using public funds.
Chairman Gerry Kelly said: "The Public Inquiry exists to rigorously test the planning evidence. Everyone is entitled to put forward their views, but the process also depends on participants respecting the Commission's procedures.
"Unfortunately, recent weeks have seen far too much time devoted to procedural issues rather than the planning merits of the application."
Mr Kelly added: “The inquiry has recently dealt with a series of issues involving objector group Save Our Sperrins (SoS). These included the exclusion of one SoS expert witnesses from participating further in the inquiry following procedural issues, the removal of another Save Our Sperrins representative after repeated warnings regarding his conduct during proceedings, and confirmation from the Commission that its Chief Commissioner had reviewed comments made in a Save Our Sperrins podcast which were considered defamatory.”
Inquiry attendees were informed that the podcast had subsequently been removed and, in light of that, no further action would be taken.
Mr Kelly continued: "Our members have attended the inquiry to give evidence and assist the Commission in reaching an informed decision. That is what the inquiry is there for.
"Every additional hearing day has a cost. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has already committed substantial sums of ratepayers' money to opposing this application, yet the public still does not know what the current total expenditure is.”
He added: "With the inquiry now scheduled to continue until November, it is entirely reasonable that updated figures are published so ratepayers can see the financial implications of this prolonged process."