Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed movement on a Local Area Plan for Dungarvan and Ballinroad and encouraged members of the public to have their say.
McGuinness said:
“I am glad to see movement towards developing a Local Area Plan for Dungarvan, Abbeyside and Ballinroad. There is a need for a well though out plan for the development of the urban area and its environs. This is the logical next step following the adoption of a new Development Plan for Waterford City and County last year.
“The Local Area Plan will be based on the Development plan but will provide the opportunity for a more detailed and locally-focused strategy for how Dungarvan, Abbeysdie and Ballincourty develop over the next six-years.
“The availability of housing remain the biggest challenge facing us locally. The housing crisis is causing huge hardship to families and individuals and it has proven to be a barrier to economic development.
“We also need to see greater investment in social and community infrastructure to serve the growing population. There is no stand-alone community centre in the area, we desperately need a family resource centre, and as our population ages we need to see a greater focus on infrastructure that supports older people.
“There is a need to consider transport links and infrastructure as we map out a strategy for Dungarvan, Abbeyside and Ballinroad – and to ensure that the decisions we take are forward thinking, future-proofed and sustainable.
“I am very keen that people are empowered to have their voice heard on these issues. I have argued that the same format of in-depth public consultation that underpinned the development plan making process would be used again for the Local Area Plan.
“The Council has issued a pre-draft issues paper, which can be viewed online at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie/en/browse or in person at the Civic Offices and Library and the public are invited to make a submission up until 7th March. The Council is also hosting consultation meetings for individuals and groups between 4pm and 7pm on Wednesday 15th February in the Civic Offices.”
Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness 