Cllr MJ Crowe this week confirmed that he will oppose any infill housing proposals put forward by Galway City Council for the Castlepark and Ballybane area. Crowe made his position clear following recent proposals drawn up by officials in Galway City Council for the Ballinfoyle area,
“Councillors were informed a few weeks back that proposals had been drawn up for an infill project in Ballinfoile," he said.
"The proposed development is to construct ten dwellings on the green spaces in estates. Many years back there had been a similar development proposed in Ballinfoile. but many Councillors including myself had significant concerns about this type of development.”
“Arising out of this Ballinfoyle development, I have no doubt that other infill projects are been considered and will be brought forward for the east side of the city. These will most likely include Castle Park and surrounding areas.
"My concerns as they were before, remain. I do not believe this is in the best interest of the people living in these areas. I have already highlighted my concerns around the international protection accommodation in the Ballybane Neighbourhood Centre. Further construction and increase in population in the area will be very challenging. Further, development on what I consider scarce green areas would not be welcome.”
He recalled that Galway City Council brought forward plans some years back to do something similar in Castlepark and he feels that now that they have revitalised the plans in Ballinfoyle, it will most likely also happen here.
"The majority of the residents were opposed to it last time, for good reason and this time will be no different. I have taken the time and discussed this issue with some residents in the area and all I have spoken with are resolute that the green spaces that are in Castlepark and Ballybane should remain green.”
“It is imperative that the wishes of the residents are listened to, and that Galway City Council shelve any proposed construction on these green spaces. I will oppose any such plans vehemently as they will only take away much needed green space from the area and add to pressure on local services” concluded Cllr Crowe.
