Residents in area of Kilkenny 'left incredibly frustrated'
Frustration voiced over perceived ‘lack of engagement’ on proposal for green area in Kilkenny City
Residents in the vicinity of Loughboy Park in Kilkenny City have been expressing frustration with the level of consultation conducted in the area prior to the adoption of plans to change the zoning of an area of green space in the park.
The area of green space in question covers approximately 0.45 acres of the park, with the change of zoning adopted ‘in order to accommodate housing suitable for older persons / persons with disabilities’.
Nearby householders have reached out to Kilkenny Live in recent weeks to express their dissatisfaction with how the consultation process was handled before the proposal was adopted.
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“There was a lack of information provided to the wider community, with only a handful of houses receiving letters,” contended one of the residents.
Also raised by the residents was bemusement as to why a public meeting was not held in relation to the plans, as a courtesy to the community.
References in the Chief Executive’s report on submissions received in relation to ‘anti-social behaviour’ in the area were also contested.
Should the development proceed as planned, assurances are being sought by some residents that no further portions of this green space will be rezoned in the future.
There are more than 150 members of a Facebook group entitled ‘Save Loughboy Park’, where the issue has been a hotbed of discussion.
Organiser of the group, Bryan Duggan, told Kilkenny Live that the community ‘feels let down’ by how the consultation process was handled in relation to the matter.
“We have been left incredibly frustrated by the entire process, and feel it’s not good enough,” he said.
Kilkenny Live have reached out to the planning department of Kilkenny County Council for comment, but are still awaiting a response.