14th May 2002

PRESS RELEASE

New parking laws threaten conservation areas of Dun Laoghaire.

Ciarán Cuffe of the Green Party today criticised the manner in which Dun Laoghaire County Council is destroying the unique character of many of the borough’s streetscapes.

“ There are several uniquely valuable conservation areas which are under threat from the proliferation of street furniture which the new parking laws have installed,” said the Green Party candidate.

 “Only last July the DLRD councillors voted that these conservation areas need special protection but the parking meters and plethora of signs are undermining this intention completely.” said Ciarán Cuffe.

Many conservation parts of Monkstown are only under reprieve by virtue of high court intervention and one area the County Plan specially identified is Royal Terrace Square, which was to be conserved as an ensemble. Residents must follow the planning guidelines to the letter yet the Traffic Department seems able to ride roughshod over these same conservation policies.

Councillor Cuffe said residents in conservation areas  deserved to be treated with more consideration by the council officials who appeared to be showing scant respect even disdain for their own guidelines. “ These conservation areas give Dun Laoghaire its unique character and the officials must not only recognise the fact but act accordingly” said Ciaran Cuffe.

ENDS

For More Information

Ciaran Cuffe 087 265 2075