Drogheda is becoming a concrete jungle say An Taisce
August 1972
CONSERVATIONISTS in Louth and Meath were last night studying the implications of recent decisions by two local authorities which they believe could turn picturesque parkland in the Drogheda area into a ‘concrete jungle.’
Angry members of the Louth branch of An Taisce — the National Trust — yesterday described the decisions as ‘incredulous’ and called for the setting up of a public inquiry to investigate the matter.
Decision No. 1 concerns the authorisation by Drogheda Corporation for the felling of almost 50 hardwood trees at Rathmullen Park.
Decision No. 2 is in connection with planning permission granted by Meath Co. Council for proposed housing development at Stameen.
Town Clerk, Mr. John McGinley said the trees in question were judged to be dangerous by horticultural experts.
Mr. McGinley added that a number of residents there had also complained to the Corporation about the condition of the trees and informing officials that some of them were overhanging into their back gardens.
But local solicitor, Mr. B. V. Hoey, (pictured) a member of An Taisce, described the Corporation’s decision to fell the trees as ‘regrettable’ — and said the issue should be the subject of a public inquiry before even one of them was knocked.
Mr. Hoey said Rathmullen Park was noced for its “leafy splendour” and scenically, it was unique and would have been ideal as parkland.
Referring to the proposed housing development at Stameen, Mr., Hoey said he put it to the branch that the possibility of revoking the original planning permission should be investigated immediately — even at this late stage.
Mr. Paddy McCarthy, chairman of the branch, said they were treating the situation seriously and would be issuing details of what action to take following an emergency meeting. Mr. McCarthy said the Corporation had been “indiscriminate “in respect of felling trees at Ballsgrove and they did not want a similar situation arising at Rathmullen or Stameen.