Local delight as car park plan withdrawn

A DECISION by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to
back down on plans to open a permanent car park in Booterstown has been hailed
as a victory for local democracy.

The council has scrapped proposals to create 170
parking spaces at the site known locally as the Circus Field.

In late 2008, the council installed pay & display
parking bays at the location to serve park and ride commuters using Booterstown
DART station.

Councillors had argued that there was insufficient
consultation regarding the development on the open space, which is zoned f –

‘to preserve and provide open space and recreational amenities’.

Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) appealed the matter to An
Bord Pleanala. In his report the board’s inspector found that the council had
contravened its own development plan.

In a report to councillors at a full monthly council
meeting County Manager Owen Keegan said that following legal advice the council
had decided not to pursue the car park development.

Cllr Boyhan who represented the residents of
Booterstown on the issue, said:

“I welcome the fact that the development of a
commuter pay & display car park at the Circus Field will not be pursued
further.

“I look forward to working closely with my fellow
Blackrock Ward councillors, local residents and the council to realise the full
potential of the Blackrock Parklands for recreational, sporting, cultural and
community use.

?

Damian O’Regan, an environmental campaigner with the
Blackrock branch of Green Ireland, has repeatedly called on the council to
scrap the car park development ever since it commenced the scheme in December
2008.

He described the council’s revised position on the
matter as a victory for democracy. He also called on the council to demolish
the existing car park.

“From a residents’ point of view it is very
encouraging that there are some processses in our democratic system that
protect the citizen’s rights,

? he said.

Gerard McMahon, a spokesman for the Booterstown Avenue
Residents’ Association, welcomed the council’s decision not to proceed with the
car park.

“It was always our view that the proposed commuter car
park for the Circus Field, which forms part of the Blackrock Parklands, was
incompatible with the overall policies and objectives of the council’s own
County Development Plan,

? he said.

“We look forward to working with the council’s parks
department and local councillors to promote a sustainable plan for Blackrock
Parklands.

?