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Planning department blasted for
inaction on unfinished estates
02.12.11
by Caoimhinn Barr, Inishowen Independent
A number of Inishowen’s political representatives
have blasted the Donegal County Council planning
department after it failed to draft a list of
unfinished estates here despite being given two
months to draw it up.
Culdaff councillor Bernard McGuinness said it is
absolutely unacceptable that the council was unable
to draw up a list when people’s lives are at stake
with many living in ‘serious conditions’.
“A lot of victims of these unfinished estates are
causing serious concern for people and we can’t even
get a list together in two months! It is simply not
good enough. Surely there’s enough staff up there to
put a simple list together. People are suffering and
I won’t stand for it,” he said angrily.
“If we have children playing near sewers and open
manholes then we need to take some emergency action
– all we’re doing is fiddling about with lists and
workshops. If a child loses its life we’ll see
people running around then. I am totally frustrated
– people are coming to me asking ‘What has been
done?’ and all we can do is talk about bloody
workshops,” Cllr. McGuinness blasted.
Councillor Black Mickey Doherty said feet are ‘being
dragged’ when it comes to the issue of unfinished
estates in Inishowen. He said no one seems to be
doing anything. |
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The issue of unfinished estates is
one which has huge ramifications for Donegal County
Council. |
“There is one estate –
Gerard’s Way in Carn – which is in a terrible state.
The council sewers run along it, there are open
manholes, no lights and dangerous scaffolding up
everywhere. There is a parent in there with a child
with special needs and something must be done,” he
said.
“They have a very good residents’ committee there
and they keep the place very well. They would fix
the lights themselves if they knew how to or if they
were allowed to. While we’re sitting around talking
– children’s lives are at risk,” Cllr. Doherty
added.
Cllr. John Ryan said the issue of unfinished estates
is one which has huge ramifications for Donegal
County Council.
“It is the council’s responsibility to take on these
estates but the council is not in a financial
position to do so. This is a very serious situation
for many people here and we are all responsible,” he
said.
Cllr. Martin Farren said the issue highlights the
clear need to ensure that planning and other vital
services are retained here in Inishowen. |
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