River ramp plan is suspended

A spokeswoman for residents near the People’s Park has welcomed the suspension of plans to build a concrete ramp into the river. Jill Porter and some other residents of the area were present at a special meeting of Wicklow County Council which took place recently. The council’s plans have come to a halt pending further legal advice. While members voted in favour of the move the previous week, residents raised further questions regarding the compulsory purchase order on the site and whether the council owns the property. ‘At last week’s Wicklow County Council meeting councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of going ahead with the project despite residents of Little Bray raising concerns over the extent of the ramp and its legality,’ said Jill Porter. ‘At this week’s special meeting of Wicklow County Council held on Monday it was revealed that the residents had received legal advice which questioned whether the local authority was actually the owner of that section of the People’s Park.’ She said that the locals are pleased with this development, not having expected it. ‘Most councillors voted on this proposal with the caveat that legal advice stated was in order. It is apparent that independent legal advice is required. ‘ The decision taken on Monday is welcomed by all the residents,’ she said.