Calls for extra parking spaces in estates sparks 'concrete jungle' fears
There are fears that removing green spaces would have a “detrimental effect” on the areas
CONCERNS have been raised of ‘concrete jungle’ housing estates if parking issues are not resolved.
Councillor PJ Carey brought forward a motion at this month’s meeting of the Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District, asking that additional car park spaces be identified for a housing estate in Kilmallock.
Though his motion specified Radharc na Cille Estate, the issue is not limited to just that area, with Cllr Carey saying he could “waste” his GMA money on it every year.
He described how many houses have three to four cars per house, in particular among residences with people in their 20s.
Councillor Eddie Ryan seconded the motion, describing a situation he had witnessed similar to this, where the council “went across the road and built more space,” pointing out that they therefore “have a precedence set in solving such a problem”.
A reply from Darragh Corcoran, acting senior executive engineer at Limerick City and County Council (LCCC), stated that there is “no suitable space available” for additional car park spaces.
It continued: “Any proposal to consider removing green recreational space in the estate for the purpose of car parking would impact negatively on the amenity value of the estate by reducing the open space for children and adults for play, recreation and exercise.”
Trevor McKechnie, senior executive engineer, LCCC, pointed out that the council must have a minimum of 15% green space in new housing estates, and emphasised that “we can’t continue to create unlimited parking spaces”.
He raised fears of estates becoming “concrete jungles” and the “detrimental effect” that removing green spaces would have on the areas.
Councillor Martin Ryan raised the issue of there not being enough space for emergency services to get through due to the amount of cars parked.
Mr McKechnie suggested that people park in other areas, rather than in their estate.
Councillor Gregory Conway said that “it all comes down to future planning,” suggesting that in future housing estates, a space be marked out for a separate car park to house extra cars.
Mr McKechnie suggested that public transport may be a solution to the issue, but acknowledged that we are “a bit away from it yet”.
Cllr Eddie Ryan said “there is a problem,” emphasising that “people want to park near where they live”.
Mr McKechnie added that “there needs to be a change in mindset”.