Local fury over new road plan

RESIDENTS in Ballymun feel railroaded by plans to construct a road that they feel is neither needed nor wanted.

Ballymun Regeneration Limited (BRL) is ploughing ahead with its plans for the controversial road through Coultry Park and Woodhazel in the face of intense opposition from the local community.

The road, which was included in regeneration plans back in 1995, will go ahead despite the deferral and cancellation of major residential and retail developments as well as the Metro North project.

Residents claim the narrow cul-de-sac, which the road would replace, is already causing trouble for residents.

According to Woodhazel Terrace resident Josephine Basnett, locals will fight tooth and nail to ensure the works to build the road do not go ahead.

“All the residents are very opposed to it,

? she told Northside People.

“This is a very established estate and we’re all used to the cul-de-sac system we’ve had until now.

“The road will be exceptionally dangerous especially because it curves around the estate.

?

Ms Basnett said she couldn’t see any logic for the road, which she believes isn’t necessary.

“I’m sure this plan looks good on paper but what about the reality of the plan for residents who have to live here and our children?

? she asked.

“This road was planned back in 1995 and a lot has changed since then. There isn’t going to be the big influx of traffic since the Metro North isn’t going ahead and now only about a third of the apartments that were planned will be built.

“There just isn’t the need for the road and it just shows how little consideration BRL have for the views of residents if they are continuing to push ahead with the plan, regardless of how strongly residents are opposed to it.

?

Local Sinn Féin representative Noeleen Reilly is calling on BRL to listen to residents’ concerns.

“If BRL goes ahead and opens up this road, the residents will be besieged by anti-social elements as it will be become an escape route,

? she warned.

Local TD Dessie Ellis (SF) called on BRL to take into account how circumstances have changed in the area in terms of development since the plan for the road was first proposed.

“It’s simply a case that traffic flow will not be what it was expected to be,

? he told Northside People.

“This is a very big issue in the area and one which makes residents fear for their safety and security.

?

A spokesperson for Ballymun Regeneration Limited (BRL) confirmed that it recently commenced work on its final construction project in Coultry, which includes the controversial road.

“The programme includes the construction of 25 new homes to re-house the remaining families in the flat blocks, the completion of the final phase of Coultry Park and finishing of the surrounding road network.

“The road consists of a six metre wide carriageway with footpaths and parking on either side of the carriageway and will include the provision of traffic calming measures including ramps and junction tables.

?