Councillors vote against gate erected by ‘petrified’ residents

Councillors have voted against a submission to close a troublesome ‘greenway’ in Knocknacarra, which has been the site of serious anti-social behaviour problems, as it would be contrary to the overall policy of openness in the City Development Plan.

At the meeting this week to discuss the Draft Plan, City Council Chief Executive Brendan McGrath, was against the move on the grounds that it would – in the long term – affect a wider policy of open access in order to shorten journeys for pedestrians and cyclists.

“It would be a huge retrograde step to close it off, and tell people to walk a 3km-round journey,” he said.

The matter came before the Council in an atmosphere of great tension between the local authority and frustrated residents of White Oaks on the Clybaun Road, some of whom were present for the debate. They felt they had no choice when they erected a gate to keep members of the public from using the through-way that connects the estate to St John’s National School.

The meeting was told that they had been “petrified” and some were unable to sleep in their own homes as a result of the anti-social behaviour attracted to the area, but that the gate had improved the situation.

There were 25 submissions against keeping the ‘greenway’ running through the estate; Mr McGrath had recommended ‘no change’ to the draft plan in this regard.

“The removal of this greenway would be contrary to green network, recreation/amenity, permeability, accessibility and sustainable policies of the Plan,” his response stated.

Cllr Niall McNelis, who is resident in the estate, made a heart-felt plea to fellow members to support his proposal to have the greenway removed.

“This was a cul-de-sac until the school was built,” he said.

“When people buy their house, they expect to be able to go home to their castle. This has caused huge problems for me, my family, and my neighbours.”

He said that empty promises had been made by the City Council to provide additional lighting and other deterrents.

For more on this story, see this week’s Galway City Tribune