CONCERNS OVER PLANS FOR WALKWAY LINKING ESTATES
RESIDENTS of Millbrook and Urrin Valley in Enniscorthy have expressed major concerns over the inclusion of a walkway linking estates in a planning application for a major development of 90 houses at Carley’s Bridge.
The topic came up for discussion at last week’s council meeting and the majority of members said that they had been approached by concerned residents who were completely opposed to the walkway which would pass through a green area that services both estates.
Cllr John O’Rourke said that objection to the development had been lodged as a result of the walkway and that residents feared that it would bring problems with anti-social behaviour. ‘I don’t think these people who have bought their houses in good faith should be penalised,’ he said.
‘ They shouldn’t have to give up their green area in favour of a walkway. They could also just join onto the existing footpath so there would be no need for one.’
Cllr Keith Doyle agreed and urged the planning section to go back to the applicant, Torca Developments, and look into a way around the issue, such as putting in a proper footpath. ‘A walkway would surely bring issues of anti-social behaviour,’ said Cllr Doyle. ‘And I don’t think any of the members want to be sat around the table discussing issues here for the next 20 years.’
‘We should have learned our lesson by now with these lan- eways linking estates,’ said Cllr Johnny Mythen. It breeds anti-social behaviour. I think in situations like this, there should be a consultation with residents.’
Cllr Kavanagh agreed pointing out an example in town which has been the source of anti-social behaviour for some time.
‘If they want to see how these things work, all they have to do is take a look a Chapel Lane in Drumgoold,’ he said.
Residents of the estates also pointed out that a laneway between Sli na Sláine and Pearse Road is further proof of how these things don’t work, saying: ‘you wouldn’t believe the stuff that goes on there.
‘You just wouldn’t walk through the laneway by yourself at night.’
A representative from the planning department agreed to take the concerns of the councillors and residents on the issue back to the developer and attempt to find a solution.