Concern at playground proposals for Athboy Fairgreen
Plans for a new playground at the Fairgreen in Athboy have met with opposition from local residents, who are concerned about the lack of parking, footpaths and possible disturbances in a quiet area.
Plans for the proposed new playground are currently on public display with the deadline for submissions tomorrow (Friday). The consultation has been part of a Part Eight planning application.
The proposed facility would be accessible to pedestrians via the existing entrances and footpaths along the Fair Green. The plans include 1.2metre high safetop weldmesh fencing, galvanised and powder coated green around the perimeter of the play area and the relocation of five small/semi mature trees within the park. No mature trees are to be removed.
Athboy already has a playground at the Cowpark, but this has been vandalised on a number of occasions and was closed from October 2023 to March 2024 because of vandalism, which led to calls last year to find a more suitable location for the park.
Local resident Máire Ní Mhórdha is urging the public to make a submission on the plan before tomorrow's deadline.
"While we need a playground in Athboy, this is not the place for it. There are so many concerns. The Fairgreen is located between the Dunderry and Trim Roads, two very busy roads and there is nowhere to park. There is a parking crisis in Athboy generally.
"It is also close to HGV testing centre so the traffic is very heavy. There are a lot of gaps and exits from the Fairgreen and and the footpaths in the area are very narrow. There are huge safety issues here.
"The Fairgreen is an ancient heritage site, which is owned by the people of Athboy. People were very surprised that it was selected as a location.
"We feel that there has been no real consultation about this decision and we would look for a weeks extension of the deadline for submissions because a lot of people weren't online after the storm.""
She said that there had been talk of providing the new playground at the community centre. "People are wondering why that was taken off the table?
"We already have a playground in town, which has long been neglected and never properly maintained by the council. However, putting a new playground on such a historical and culturally important local site, with no parking, no proper access facilities and most essentially, no proper consultation or dialogue with the local community, will be a travesty. Our Fair Green is a perfect amenity as it is, and is used by members of our community of all ages, abilities and needs," she said.
Fiona Hamill said Athboy was so lucky to have such a beautiful unspoiled green in our town. "It’s rare to find a green space that hasn’t been overdeveloped. A peaceful escape where nature thrives and we can recharge away from the hustle and bustle.
"I urge the people of Athboy to submit their feedback to the council as soon as possible. Don’t wait until it’s too late to speak up."
Among the many submissions made on the planning application was one from Claire Regan who lives right beside the green who said there is no parking around the green to support a playground.
"Don't ruin our beautiful green with an eyesore and seriously consider the lack of parking available around the green. You need to think about the local residents and the impact it will have on our houses."
In her submission, Carol Mahon who lives directly facing the Fairgreen said she had many concerns as to where are people going to park to access the playground.
"Our grass out front is destroyed with anyone parking on it when there is other events in the Fair green. We cannot gain entry into our homes at times with cars blocking our driveways. The road is very busy as there is a montessori, garage, estate, bus depot, shop, rugby club and secondary school at the top of the road. The road is already a danger for everyone with the traffic. The paths around the park are not maintained and buggy’s and wheelchair users have to go out onto the road to gain access to the park, this is a huge concern and danger in itself."
Theresa Payne in her submission said the Fairgreen is a lovely green area situated convenient and accessible to all in the Athboy district. "Everyone can walk, sit and run at their leisure in peace and tranquility. It's the only place suitable for short safe walks by all diverse users. This park was donated to the people of Athboy by Lord Darnley in 1909, to be used by all of the people, not a selected few.
"Fencing off a section with a green steel fence isn’t going to enhance the look of the area. Whilst enclosing multiple play objects of various colours and makes, the fence itself would become the biggest attraction. The trees in the park are there to enhance the locality, not provide a climbing or swinging facility."
"The work involved, if it goes ahead, would make the park out of bounds for months leaving people without a safe place to relax and enjoy, putting an end to summer activities which are planned for this year."
Trustee James J Hesnan said he was a trustee who had not given consent for the Fairgreen to be put forward as a potential site for a new playground.
"This process has been rushed through without proper consultation with the townspeople, and the children of Athboy deserve a great new playground in the right location.
"Shoving it into the green without acknowledging the parking problems is frankly dangerous, and you could not in good conscience allow it to go ahead knowing the serious risks posed to adults and
children alike."
Cllr David Gilroy said that submissions closed tomorrow and he would advise the public to make their views known by making a submission.
He said it was an active planning application and all the details are in the application documents which are in the public domain., including a letter of consent from the Board of Trustees.
"My understanding was that this was put forward as an alternative to the existing playground which is in an unsuitable location as people find it too isolated and are reluctant to go there on their own," he said.