Submissions seen as ‘complicated’ process for Weston
By Aideen O'Flaherty
THE process of making a submission on the Weston Aerodrome change-of-land-use notice has been described as being “extremely complicated” by a resident, who also raised concerns about the potential change of land use.
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 frame-work 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.
Weston Park resident Caitríona McClean, who is the secretary for Fianna Fáil in Lucan, told The Echo: “An area of major concern is the process by which people can enter their submission on the notice – it’s extremely complicated.
“You have to set up an account and opt-in to a contract, it’s amazingly difficult.
“People will express their views at a public meeting, but in my view, it’s important that a large number of people can submit their views.”
Ms McClean, who is also the secretary for the Public Participation Network, has expressed concerns over the future development of the Weston Aerodrome as she is worried that if the land around the airport gets rezoned that it could “change the whole nature of the area substantially.”
“It would appear that if zoning is changed to economic and enterprise uses, then you’re looking at a business park.”
The council’s review of the land-use planning framework for Weston Aerodrome includes the clarification that consideration will be given “with reference to changing European safety require-ments, economic development opportunities for the county and the impact on neighbouring residential communities”.
Independent councillor for the Lucan area, Guss O’Connell, told The Echo: “We need to look at the airport and the future of the land around it.
“It has to operate at a level that is sustainable, but that doesn’t interfere with the local community.
“I could never envisage a business park going up there, it would be totally out of character.
“My approach is that I do think it’s possible for the aerodrome to remain with business associated with the training school and the private jets, but there is no way I would support any business park being attached.”
Cllr O’Connell also added that he will “make sure that the online submissions will be accessible for all people and user-friendly”.
South Dublin Council were contacted but did not respond in time for print.
Submissions on the review 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.
