Bree opposes car park plan in Point
A proposal by Council officials to develop a car park on part of the village green at Rosses Point has been described as unacceptable and unprecedented by Cllr Declan Bree.
The plan to construct the 12 space car park adjacent to the Little Cottage Café in the village was circulated to councillors last Thursday following a request for information on the issue by Cllr Bree.
Speaking to ‘ The Sligo Champion’ Cllr Bree said:“The Council points out that visitors to the café are parking on the green area and digging it up.
“However in my view that does not justify the Council’s proposal to spend €10,000 to €12,000 to provide a car park adjacent to a private business. This type of proposal is unacceptable and unprecedented.
“To add insult to injury it has come to light that the Council failed to levy a €10,000 development contribution from the property owners when planning permission was first granted for the Café development three years ago.
“The planning laws must be applied fairly and equally to all developments but in this case for some unknown reason the planning authority failed to fully implement the Council’s Development Contribution Scheme.
“As a result, the Council lost out on income of €10,000. I have already pointed out at Council meetings that I have been contacted by residents of Rosses Point who have made it clear to me that they do not want to see any portion of the village green covered with tarmacadam and turned into a car park.
“They want to see the green open space preserved and pro- tected.
“They say there is no need for another car park as there are a large number of parking spaces available along the prom which are very seldom used.
“I will be seeking a full and comprehensive report on this entire matter from the Councils Chief Executive Officer when we hold our Municipal District meeting next week,” said Cllr Bree
One councillor who has voiced his concern about the lack of parking spaces along the narrow road has been Tom MacSharry.
He told The Champion previously that the current parking situation could certainly be described as chaotic at times.
He said drivers were parking on both sides of the road making it difficult for road users and there were fears for pedestrian safety.