No progression on plans for Gibraltar

There were no specific plans to carry out any recreational development at Gibraltar, Acting Director of Services, Tom Brennan told Clr Declan Bree. Clr Bree recalled that early last year he proposed a draft plan be prepared and grant aid sought for the refurbishment of the Gibraltar amenity area and for the development of a linear park system along the seashore to the docks area.

“For decades the area was recognised as a significant amenity and was used extensively by the general public. In the early 1950’ s this Council developed a tidal swimming pool and coastal walkway at Gibraltar and it was not unusual to find scores if not hundreds of people enjoying the amenity. However, over the years the area became neglected and in the 1970’ s and 80’ s with improvements in transport, more and more people travelled to Strandhill or Rosses Point or further afield. There was no maintenance carried out on the swimming pool and through time the pool and the pathways were damaged by the elements

“Given that it was agreed that we would develop a recreation and amenity area at Gibraltar and that we would zone and provide an extensive green along the seashore stretching from Gibraltar to Finisklin and on to the docks I am anxious to know what progress has been made regarding the preparation of plans,” he said. Mr Brennan said plans for a green corridor had not been progressed due to a lack of resources. Clr Bree said he was disappointed with the report and said there was no point agreeing to proposals if they were going to be ignored. He said if there wasn’t a plan in place it wouldn’t attract grant aid. “Why weren’t we told this at the start? Why did we have to wait 18 months to be told this?” he asked.

Chief Executive Ciaran Hayes said that in February last year he wasn’t aware he would have to reduce staff numbers by 42%. It was a financial as well as a human resources matter.