GLENWOOD RESIDENTS WANT DEVELOPER TO FINISH OFF ESTATE
OPEN GREEN AREA UNFINISHED, ISSUES WITH ROADS, FOOTPATHS AND BUILDING SITE
March 1987
A plea goes out from Glenwood residents’ association to Dundalk urban council to take whatever action it can to compel the developer to complete the estate, so that it can be taken over by the council.
A deputation to a planning meeting paints a bleak picture of undeveloped open areas and badly finished roads, which are a hazard to residents and children.
Tommy Healy states there are 195 houses in the estate, in which building started in 1970, and that they have suffered ‘ nasty treatment’ at the hands of the developer, Mr. Catherwood, over many years.
Since 1975, various residents’ associations tried to get a proper open space for the estate, and to get the developer to finish the estate, so that it can be taken in charge by the council.
Mr. Healy complains that early in 1980, the developer showed scant regard for the residents when he attempted to re-zone an undeveloped part of the estate fronting the Dublin Road for commercial purposes. It was defeated by the residents on appeal.
Last August, they enlisted the help of the councillors representing the area, Jim Cousins, Frank Duffy and Stephen Burns, and got an undertaking from the developer that he would recommence development and take in a gardener to do landscaping. This has not been done.
The entrance to the estate is very narrow and inadequate, and a danger to traffic trying to get in or out.
Some roads in Glenwood come to a full stop, while dips have developed in other roads, leading to severe drops from footpath to roadway. Also, serious potholes have developed.
Councillors hear the proposed open space is nothing other than a rough building site and an absolute scandal.
The vacant site fronting the Dublin Road is not only an eyesore to residents, but to anyone approaching Dundalk.
The undeveloped building site at the end of the estate is a hazard for children, with a build-up of water in wet weather, and rats when it is dry.
A sewer is left at ground level, and there is a gap between houses in the middle of the estate.
Cllr. Fra Browne is told the developer has complied with the conditions of his permissions.
It is understood the developer will put the open space right, from a conversation he had with the town engineer.
Cllr. Browne wonders if the developer has complied with the planning conditions, how are there problems with the road and footpath?
The planning permission will have expired in view of the fact there was no building for some years, Cllr. Tom Bellew believes; and town clerk, Richard Lynn says a new planning application would be required.
He adds it is accepted the entrance to the estate is not satisfactory.
It is agreed to have before the next meeting, a report from the town engineer on his talks with the developer.