Residents protest over plans to build on green spaces
By Sean Heffernan
THE community of Springfield came out in force on Saturday to voice opposition to plans to build 28 housing units on green space adjacent to Fernwood, while 25 units, including a three-storey, 15-unit building, are proposed for Maplewood.
A number of people carried signs stating “Save our Greens”, while a number of children from the area each wore a tee-shirt that collectively spelt out the same slogan.
Residents protesting on the green last Saturday
Chairperson of the St Mark’s Residents Association, Brian Nolan, urged people to send in their observations against the development to the council, if they had not already done so.
Speaking to The Echo he said: “The part 8 (planning permission) proposes to build on two greens – the park between Fernwood and Ashgrove is quite a substantial piece of land, but this is not about being against social housing, as we honestly are not.”
He added “When this estate was first built, these greens were put there on purpose. We had a playground back then, now we have none, and what little space is left for kids have to play on will be gone.”
Another member of the Residents Association, Kathleen Ryan, also voiced her concerns saying: “Yet again Springfield is getting the brunt of it, they want to build more houses in two areas that kids play on.
“I fear this is just the start of it. If they get their way here, they could start building in other areas similar to ours too.”
When asked what was next for the campaign, she responded: “A delegation of 10 from the committee are going to a consultation meeting with the council, and we will be telling them we want to keep the two greens.”
Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Charlie o’Connor was also present at the protest, and remarked “It is clear that the local community does not want this development to go ahead, and I support them in their concerns.”
The plan was being “rushed”
Another public representative in attendance, Mick Murphy of Solidarity, claimed the plan was being “rushed” by the council, and further alleged “At the June 28 meeting we’re being asked to vote on a report that only had one page completed so far, and I and the other councillors made our opposition to this quite clear.
“How can you vote on something you basically know nothing about?”
For more information go the St Mark’s Residents Association Facebook page.
