Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Local Issues

A Brief Note of some Local Issues from Cllr Michael O’Donovan, Mayor


· Planning Application for a Pharmacy in Latchford
Some residents were unhappy about this proposal feeling it would bring extra traffic into the estate, and that a pharmacy should be sited in a designated neighbourhood shopping area.
I lodged a formal objection, as did the residents association.
The application has been declared invalid for technical reasons and is being withdrawn, at least for the present. I will keep you informed of any further developments.


· Flooding:
Officials from Fingal’s Water Services department are continuing to investigate the flooding of recent months. They have instructed developers in eight instances to carry out an audit of water and drainage services in the affected estates. I will keep you informed of progress on this issue. Fingal Council will not take any estate into charge until developers have fully addressed the “snag list” drawn up by the Council.


· New Website;
The Ongar Community Council has set up a new website www.ongar-residents.com. It will contain information about the neighbourhood as well as contact links for residents who have questions or comments.
I commend the hard work of all concerned and formally launched the website last week.

Feel free to contact me at any time on 087-2207798 or michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie.


Le meas,


___________________________
Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor Ongar Area
Mayor of Fingal

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Refusal of Planning Permission for ALDI Proposal

Permission has been refused by An Bord Pleanala for the ALDI proposal to build a supermarket and multi-story apartment block in the centre of Clonsilla Village, across from the entrance to Castlefield.

The Board supporting the earlier refusal by Fingal Council, stated that the proposal was in conflict with the recently completed Planning Strategy for Clonsilla. The Board also supports the Councils’ view that this site should be a village centre style “civic area adjoining the Royal Canal.”

We must be practical here. ALDI still own the site. (Apparently they paid about €7 million for it!). They will clearly want to apply again to develop it, but they must do so in a way that is sympathetic to the existing village and must consult with local residents and public representatives.

I consider this decision to be a victory for good planning and for the community, and I particularly thank those who attended our public meetings and who signed the petition.

If you would like to contact me on this or any other issue, feel free to call me on 087-2207798 or by e-mail to michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie.



Cllr Michael O’Donovan
Local Councillor, Clonsilla Area