Residents’ views sought on Weston Aerodrome
By Aideen O'Flaherty
RESIDENTS are being encouraged to submit their views as part of South Dublin County Council’s public consultation on the future of Weston Aerodrome, following a public meeting held in The County Bar in Lucan last week.
At the meeting, which was attended by residents, local councillors and representatives from Weston Aerodrome, concerns were raised in relation to fears about an increase in the number of planes landing at Weston and the potential for noise and air pollution.
Weston Park resident Caitríona McClean, who is the secretary for Fianna Fáil in Lucan, told The Echo: “The meeting was very well attended, so well attended that some people couldn’t fit into the room.
“When I first moved here 25 years ago we didn’t mind the little airplanes going by, but things have changed since then.
“There are concerns that the objective is to turn Weston into a regional airport.
“Residents here would be very much against that.”
Last month it was announced that South Dublin County Council would be reviewing ancillary uses at Weston Aerodrome in Lucan, including potential economic development opportunities for the county.
The review is part of the council’s review of the land-use planning framework for the future development and operation of the aerodrome.
This follows news that the aerodrome will play host to Annie Mac and Liam Gallagher as part of the Samhain Festival, a one-day festival that takes place in the lead-up to Halloween.
Independent councillor for the Lucan area, Liona O’Toole, who was also at the meeting, told The Echo that Weston Aerodrome predates the housing developments around it, so there is a responsibility on behalf of the council to the people that live there.
“I believe the council has a responsibility to the residents of the housing estate they gave planning permission for.
“There’s still a lot of questions that need to be asked and a lot of answers that need to be given.”
Fine Gael councillor Vicki Casserly said: “[The plans] are there for public consultation. I would hugely encourage everyone to participate with it so that there can be a fair representation of residents’ views.”
Submissions on the review of Weston Aerodrome will be accepted online at http://consult.sdublincoco.ie or by post to Senior Executive Officer, Forward Planning Section, Land Use Planning & Transportation Department, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 by 4pm on August 24.
