CRSOS Chairperson Gene Feighery expresses concerns to Cllr. Gearoid O'Keeffe

To: "Gearoid O'Keeffe" <gokeeffe@cllr.dlrcoco.ie>
Sent: Sunday, October 08, 2006 5:50 PM
Subject: MRR - Lobby Councillors

Combined Residents to Save Open Space
Chairperson: Gene Feighery,
Vice Chairperson: Sarah O'Connor,
Secretary:Deirdre O'Reilly

Dear Cllr. O'Keeffe,

On behalf of CRSOS, and in co-operation with SDCRA and a number of residents' groups in Monkstown, we request that Item no. 7 relating to theCounty Manager's recommendation on the Monkstown Ring Road be rejected at Monday 9th October's council meeting.

CRSOS made a detailed study of the EIS prepared by DLRCoCo.
We made a submission based on the findings of this EIS to the Council.
We attended and contributed to the oral hearing process presided over by Inspector Philip Jones of An Bord Pleanala in the Gresham Hotel in Dublin.
We have read and considered Inspector Jones' report on the MRR.
We reject the Manager's report and conclusions on the proposed road.

The development of Dun Laoghaire Golf Club lands and the construction of the Monkstown Ring Road are inextricably linked.
Sections of the EIS, which was so heavily criticised by Inspector Jones, refers to anticipated future development, increase in traffic volumes and residential densities arising from Dun Laoghaire Golf Club lands.

The current planning application proposal seeks twice the density referred to in the original rezoning application and the granting of permission and density of the development relies heavily on the carrying capacity of the local infrastructure.

Contrary to recent media reports to the effect that the golf club deal is now concluded, the record will show that the Heads of Terms, signed by Peter, Joseph and Michael Cosgrave of the Cosgrave Property Group on 5th June 2002 states:

"The Purchaser will have the right to reject the variation of the Plan if it does not provide a sufficient number of residential units to be agreed with DLGC"

I note from recent media reports that your sympathies may rest with a number of property owners in and around Yankee Terrace.
Regardless of whether or not the road goes ahead, these property owners will achieve a market value for their houses, either by CPO or on the open market.

However a decision based on the principles of sustainable development, residential amenity, protection of architectural heritage and community needs must take precedence over a small number of property owners whose interests will be served regardless of the road construction.

Therefore we request that you exercise independence on this matter and that your decision reflects the wishes of a large number of residents in Dun Laoghaire, Stillorgan and its environs by rejecting the Manager's recommendation to develop the MRR.

Thank you.

Gene Feighery,
Chairperson, CRSOS