Dublin People - Residents’ fury over new area plan

Home

News

Sport

Residents’ fury over new area plan

Wednesday, 09 April 2008

A NEW framework plan for Whitehall has been met with furious opposition from local residents.
Dublin City Council’s plan for the area went on display just last month but already it has been greeted with consternation.
It is believed that hundreds of residents intend to lodge objections to the proposals which local representatives have described as “far too dense and concentrated”.
A public meeting was held in Whitehall last week to discuss the issue.
Frank Cullen of the Ellenfield Residents’ Association said he and his neighbours were very disappointed with what the council put on the table.
“There is a lack of social facilities and local amenities,” he told Northside People.
“It is totally unsuitable in its current form and we really don’t feel like there was sufficient information available when it came on public display in the area.”
The Whitehall site consists of land north of Collins Avenue and land south bounded by Collins Avenue and Swords Road. Some the land is owned by the council and the rest by a private developer.
The future of the site is further complicated as the private developer recently submitted a planning application for what it intends to build on its portion of the site.

According to its planning application, Barina Construction Ltd proposes to build 460 housing units in eight blocks ranging in size from four to 11 storeys in height.
Mr Cullen said locals felt both the council’s and the developer’s proposals were “unrealistic”.
“Both developments are unacceptably high and dense,” he argued.
Local resident Kay White is also furious with the framework plan.
“According to their plans, a high density multi-storey apartment block would be built on the carpark in the area,” she told Northside People.
“If that went ahead it would overshadow our houses on Thatch Road.
“My family have lived here since 1939.”
She added: “The people living in this area will kick up hell to retain the use of the carpark.”
According to Ms White, a proposed underground carpark poses serious concerns among residents.
“The underground tunnel would lie close to where the port tunnel is,” she said. “How will the land cope with so much excavation?
“People are extremely angry about this, so much so that we are pulling together to get our own area plan drawn up for the area independently.”
Local councillor Julie Carmichael (FF) said a significant number of objections would be lodged to both proposals.
“Whitehall residents suffered greatly with the construction of the Port Tunnel, so obviously they want to avoid any further unwanted disruption to their area,” she explained.
“Both proposals are too high and have too many housing units included.”
According to Cllr Carmichael, the framework plan is an effort to put the best foot forward for the area.
“It is means of setting standards of what the most suitable types of developments and what the needs and wants of Whitehall are,” she told Northside People.
“However, residents are extremely unhappy with how this has been approached and the majority of them plan to object to both proposals.”
Local councillor Dessie Ellis (SF) described the situation of having two plans for the Whitehall area as a “mess”.
“The plans are way over the top,” he told Northside People.
The framework plan will be on public display in Dublin City Council Civic Office, Northside Civic Centre, Coolock, and the Church of the Holy Child in Whitehall until April 10.
Meanwhile, a council spokesperson explained what the next phase of the plan would entail.
“Following the public display the submissions received will be considered and a report prepared will assess the issues raised,” she explained.
“The North Central Area Committee will consider this report and make recommendations on the detail of the draft plan.”

Racquetball team shines at championships

Thursday, 28 August 2008

Patrick Hanley (29) was a member of the four-man Irish national racquetball team that took on professional sides from around the world in this prestigious event. The Irish...
+ Full Story

Dubs urged to support cyclists

Thursday, 28 August 2008

Dubliners are being urged to show their support for one of the top Irish teams taking part – the An Post sponsored Sean Kelly team. The An Post boys in green enjoyed huge home support for...
+ Full Story

Mulvey pipped in 10-mile thriller

Thursday, 28 August 2008

The Arkansas based athlete and training partner of Alistair Craig, was competing in his first ever 10-mile race and his longest competitive outing to date. Josphat said he was happy with his...
+ Full Story

Hamilton roars to another victory

Thursday, 21 August 2008

The 11-year-old St Brigid’s Boys’ National School pupil is building a fine reputation in the increasingly competitive Cadets class. The two-day O Plate meeting in Cork was one of the...
+ Full Story

Island Banners

Navigation Menu

Website Poll

Advertise

Private Ads Login