LUSK - Statements from Fergus Byrne, Local election candidate, on issues impacting on Lusk

LUSK - some of the statements issued by Fergus Byrne, Sinn Féin candidate for the upcoming local elections, concerning Lusk.

On a recent visit to Lusk I was approached by a number of residents in Minister’s Estate regarding the mature trees on Train Hill, which are to the rear of Minister’s Park. Residents relayed to me their fears that if these lands were to be sold then the trees, which provide great privacy, could be lost.

I then contacted my colleague Sinn Féin Cllr. Paul Donnelly to request his assistance with Fingal County Council in this matter. With Paul’s help the following motion was put to Fingal Council:
"To ask the Manager to ensure that the Council in any future proposed development of lands at Train Hill, Lusk, at the rear of Minister’s Park, and on which the greenhouses now stand, that the existing mature trees thereon be preserved?"

The following reply was received from the County Manager:

` "The preservation of the existing mature trees will be considered as part of the assessment of any planning application made in relation to the above lands.

I am delighted to report that this motion (item 23), was passed unanimously by Fingal County Councillors at their monthly meeting on Monday 10th of November, 2008. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleague Sinn Féin Cllr. Paul Donnelly for his assistance and advice with this matter.

While there is not any planning application currently in progress, I do believe that this pro-active eco-friendly measure will prevent the destruction of these mature trees, thus continuing to provide privacy for residents. I shall of course keep residents informed of future developments, if any. If in the meantime you have any issue I maybe able to assist with, or wish to have raised with Fingal County Council please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mise le meas ort
Fergus Byrne – Sinn Féin Candidate for Fingal County Council


"Byrne secures protection for mature trees in Lusk"

While on a recent visit to Lusk, local representative Fergus Byrne (SF) was approached by a number of residents in Minister’s Estate regarding the mature trees on Train Hill, which are to the rear of Minister’s Park. Residents relayed to Fergus their fears that if these lands were to be sold then the trees, which provide great privacy, could be lost. He then contacted Cllr. Paul Donnelly (SF) to request his assistance with Fingal County Council in this matter. With Paul’s help the following motion was to put to Fingal Council:

"To ask the Manager to ensure that the Council in any future proposed development of lands at Train Hill, Lusk, at the rear of Minister’s Park, and on which the greenhouses now stand, that the existing mature trees thereon be preserved?"

The following reply was received from the County Manager:

` "The preservation of the existing mature trees will be considered as part of the assessment of any planning application made in relation to the above lands.

Fergus said: "I am delighted to report that this motion (item 23), was passed unanimously by Fingal County Councillors at their monthly meeting on Monday 10th of November, 2008. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleague Sinn Féin Cllr. Paul Donnelly for his assistance and advice with this matter. While there is not any planning application currently in progress, I do believe that this pro-active eco-friendly measure will prevent the destruction of these mature trees, thus continuing to provide privacy for residents. I shall of course keep residents informed of future developments, if any."



Developers Leave Lusk Playing Fields in Disgraceful Condition

Residents of Lusk have expressed grave concern over the condition of land near Lusk Village Estate. Developers McGarrell Reilly have left a large amount of rubbish and building materials on the site and there are worries that the overall appearance and reputation of Lusk Village Estates have been badly affected. It is alleged that developers often leave sites unfinished as a tactic to attempt to gain further planning permission from councils and residents fear that is what has happened in this case.

Local Sinn Féin election candidate Fergus Byrne said: "This situation is utterly disgraceful and cannot be tolerated. The developers obviously have no concern for the people of Lusk, and they should be forced by Fingal County Council to remove their rubbish or face the consequences. No further planning permission should be granted to them until they finish off the projects which were supposed to have been completed. They must show concern for the Lusk area and its residents. Visually and from a health and safety aspect, it is urgent that this is dealt with as soon as possible."

Concern was also expressed by residents that McGarrell Reilly have not fulfilled all of the conditions under planning permission was previously granted. Said Byrne: "Roads have not been completed, for example, nor have crèches been provided. The developers must be held accountable both to the people of Lusk and to Fingal County Council. The people of Lusk deserve better treatment than this."



Bus Shelters in Lusk


Further to our campaign to have lighted bus shelters provided for Lusk, the letter below was sent to Dublin Bus and to Fingal County Council. I shall of course keep residents informed of progress. If in the meantime you have any issue I maybe able to assist with, or wish to have raised with Fingal County Council please do not hesitate to contact me.


A Chara

Following representations received, I am writing to request immediate action from Dublin Bus and from Fingal County Council on the urgent issue of lighted bus shelters for Lusk. On a recent visit to the village, I was appalled to discover that there was only one lighted bus shelter in Lusk.
I am sure you would agree with me that a respectful policy towards those who take the eco-friendly public transport option should be shown. In this day and age lighted bus shelters are a necessity for bus users. Why should our elderly people and our young children be exposed to extreme cold and unsafe conditions, for prolonged periods of time? Indeed, as far by back as June 2000 the Scott Wilson Report stated that bus shelters should be provided: "… where the site is exposed to inclement weather or where service frequency is low." I do believe that there is an onus on Dublin Bus and on Fingal County Council to provide lighted bus shelters for the people of Lusk.

It’s simply not right that elderly people and bus users are potentially being put at health risk from exposure to inclement weather. Suitable bus shelters should be provided as a standard part of the service. At the very least I believe that a lighted bus shelter should be provided on Station Road outside Supervalu. I call upon Dublin Bus and Fingal County Council to act on this pressing issue now.

Simply put, I would like to know when Dublin Bus intends to provide lighted bus shelters for the residents of Lusk.

I look forward to your reply,

Is mise le meas ort


_________________________
Fergus Byrne
Balbriggan Ward Sinn Fein Candidate