WIN tickets to benefit night for Tommy Murray
“These people (residents) have garages, as there was a provision of a garage for each house,” he said, ‘as well as parking to the west in behind the houses.”
At November’s meeting of Drogheda members of the council, Cllr Flood reminded members that at one time there were 32 parking spaces on The North Strand, but ‘LCC has repeatedly reduced the number’, saying that in August they took away yet another 10 spaces without consultation with councillors or consideration for residents in the area.
“We had been discussing parking in Drogheda in a host of special ‘parking specific’ meetings for over a year and we had pointed out that more parking spaces were needed in that area.
“But without consultation or consideration the council removed even more parking from that area. In the council’s response to my motion calling for the reintroduction of parking spaces in that area, LCC stated that they were removed to accommodate traffic movements, including HGV traffic to the port,” he said angrily.
“LCC stating that they care more about trucks than residents shows just how far out of touch with the public they have become under their current management. Their response also states that there are 12-14 spaces left in the area, showing that even now they don’t know exactly how many parking spaces they left in the area. Their blasé and dismissive response is just unbelievable.”
In response, Director of Services Paddy Donnelly said the changes were made to improve the public realm and safety in the area and stated that parking was provided for residents.
“This was done for the greater good and I have satisfied the objectives have been achieved,” said Mr Donnelly. “We can’t enforce the use of garages, as we rely on civic minded people, but we will keep the situation under review as to whether an alternative arrangement like residents parking is needed.”
Cllr Flood also hit out at the suggestion that the homes in the area have a single garage for a single car.
“The number of parking spaces is insufficient for the demand in the area. There are a lot more residences there than 12-14, plus the Drogheda Homeless Aid and a garage. Many of the houses are broken into separate rental units and there is more than a single car per house. But Louth County Council is refusing to consider this or to properly survey the residents’ parking needs,” he said.
“This is not the last of this matter. I will conduct a comprehensive survey with residents and return to Louth County Council with an accurate needs assessment which they should have done before removing parking spaces. I will be pursuing this matter until it is resolved to the residents’ satisfaction.” READERS of the Drogheda Independent have the chance to be part of a very special night in the Westcourt Hotel on Friday, November 23.
In association with the Tommy Murray Rehabilitation Fund committee, we are giving away five pairs of tickets to the night.
It features finger food, photo booth, raffles/prizes with a real Christmas theme. The best Christmas look wins a prize too.
Tommy, living in Tallanstown and a native of Duleek, suffered severe injuries when he was struck by a vehicle while working in Navan earlier this year.
To win a pair of tickets, simply tell us where the night is taking place.
Contact us with the answer by phone: 0419876820 (or leave a message with your contact details), by email, hmurphy@drogheda-independent.ie or drop a note into the DI, at 9 Shop Street, with your name and contact number.