24 new social houses set for Farrenkelly

THE WAY is clear for Wicklow County Council to construct 24 social houses at Farrenkelly, Greystones, after Councillors voted in favour of progressing the development.

The homes will consist of nine one-bedroom apartments, twelve two-bedroom houses and three three-bedroom houses.

It is also proposed to create a ramp and steps to provide a new pedestrian access from Farrankelly Close to the Kilcoole road.

While recognising the ‘crucial need’ for social housing, Cllr Derek Mitchell had issues with the standard of public lighting currently in place.

‘The plan here is to provide lighting for the new houses but the remaining 40 per cent of the street still won’t have any street lights. People also want the end of the road finished off. It is essential that street lights go on the remainder of the road and that fencing is put in place to tackle antisocial behaviour taking place,’ said Cllr Mitchell.

Cllr Tom Fortune also complained that there had been a lack of consultation with residents already living at Farrenkelly.

‘Issues need to be addressed, such as the complete lack of communication with residents already living in the area. Why do we believe it is OK not to communicate?’ he asked.

Cllr Jennifer Whitmore shared similar concerns. ‘There is a consensus over a lack of communications. It is important to remember we are building communities, not just houses,’ she said.

Cllr Nicola Lawless also felt that any issues raised by residents should be listened to. ‘We want mixed communities to live together so we need to communicate properly,’ she said.

Cllr Gerry Walsh described the overall proposal as ‘very positive.’

Cllr Grainne McLoughlin said that ‘of course we badly need social housing but a lot of the issues that have been raised are partly due to a lack of consultation.’

Cllr Nicola Lawless proposed the removal of some parking spaces on Priory Road, the installation of street lights where necessary and the replacement of a planned fence with a wall with stone cladding.

Cllr John Snell felt a number of the issues raised should have been tackled at Greystones Municipal District meetings before coming before the whole council.

‘At our last meeting we passed a Part 8 involving 48 houses in Rathnew and it passed without any difficulty. Lots of work went into the project beforehand at Wicklow Municipal District level. I don’t want to stifle debate in this chamber but a lot of these issues should have been sorted out at district level in Greystones. It’s now turning into a bit of a circus,’ he said.

‘Housing staff have drawn up plans and now members form Greystones are taking about changing fencing. It’s getting a bit farcical at this stage as this isn’t just something that appeared out of nowhere.’ Twenty-eight councillors voted in favour of the Part 8 to allow Wicklow County Council to continue to the next stage. There was one abstention and three members weren’t present for the vote.