Rathnew to get 271 new homes
PERMISSION has been granted for a large housing estate in Rathnew consisting of 271 units.
The development will also include state roads, parking facilities, pedestrian facilities and open space areas at Tinakilly.
The planning condition granted also allows for the first phase of the Rathnew Inner Relief Road including the upgrade of the Merrymeeting Interchange.
The applicant is Keldrum Ltd who initially lodged a planning application with Wicklow County Council in March of last year.
30 per cent of the development will be carried out in phase one, another 30 per cent in phase two and the remaining 40 per cent in phase three.
The developers are also in talks with the Community Cultural and Social section of Wicklow County Council over suitable green spaces and recreational play areas.
Cllr John Snell the Chair of the Housing SPC at Wicklow County Council has welcomed the development.
‘We need to get the necessary infrastructure in place alongside the units. There is a bigger plan for the whole area and it isn’t just about open space but also recreational spaces for both adults and children. Some of the units included in the initial planning application were removed because they were on land zoned as active open space. With such a large amount of units its important that walks, cycle lanes, green spaces, playing pitches or courts are provided. I understand the developer wanting to maximise the site but it is also hugely important to maximise the recreational side of things as well.’
10 per cent of the development will go toward social housing. A purpose built crèche included in the plans has also been granted permission. RATHNEW Community Centre played host to women’s groups from all over the county as part of International Women’s Day last Thursday.
Co Wicklow Partnership funded the event which included talks and presentations on health and wellbeing using essential oils, parenting, women, addiction, housing and older women in the community.
Present were Mai Quaid of the County Development Committee, Co Wicklow PPN and the Older Peoples Network.
There was also representation from the County Childcare Committee, Tiglin Women’s Residential Centre, BBH Group (Ballyguile, Broadlough, Hillview), the Women’s Network under Co Wicklow Partnership, residents from Glending in Blessington and women’s groups from Rathdrum, Rathnew and Arklow.
How addiction affects families and loves ones was discussed, as were the accommodation issues many women face, which is especially relevant today given the current housing crisis.
Child care provision was also another hot topic of discussion.
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8 every year and celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
The day has been observed since the early 1900s.