Councillors slam Martin Savage Park exclusion as 'blatant disrespect'
Dublin councillors have expressed concern about being “left in the dark” after they claim representatives were selectively invited to a meeting including senior officials.
This issue was raised by Sinn Fein Councillor Seamus McGrattan at the most recent Central Area Committee meeting. He spoke about the frustration of learning that TDs, officials, councillors, and stakeholders had met last Friday regarding the redevelopment of Martin Savage Park in Cabra.
The redevelopment of Martin Savage Park includes plans for a new astroturf pitch to be shared by local GAA and soccer clubs. However, environmental concerns regarding brent geese have stalled these plans for the past two years.
While Cllr McGrattan explained it was his understanding that no such type of meeting should take place without all representatives being invited, he said it appears this protocol was not being followed. “It’s disappointing that senior officials are meeting with some public reps, there was a time when that wouldn’t have happened,” he said.
“It’s very frustrating for me and others that we’re being kept in the dark. The information we’re being given is out of date when we’re getting it."
Cllr Cieran Perry said it was his understanding that this went against council policy and recalled major controversies in the past about selective meetings being held. “That’s council policy as far as I am aware, if that’s changed we should be made aware,” he said.
As the chair of the area committee, Social Democrats Cllr Cat O’Driscoll said that she and other representatives not being invited to the meeting demonstrated “blatant disrespect.” She added she will be inviting the Parks Department into the chamber as soon as possible to answer their questions as they have been “left in the dark time and again on this.”
“We’re the ones who are out talking to communities about this thing that has genuinely created toxicity between neighbours and we’re now in a situation where certain people are being invited to meetings and being given different timelines to what we’re getting,” she said.
While Part 8 planning for the redevelopment of the park had previously been given the go ahead to proceed “without prejudice,” it was later revealed that further surveys concerning its effect on the habitat of brent geese would be required. It’s understood that updates and commitments were given regarding the future of the Part 8 process at last Friday’s meeting, but councillors who weren’t invited have yet to be given official confirmation about what those commitments were.
Council officer Brendan Doggett stated that they had “no information” that last week’s meeting was taking place and that in such cases everybody is supposed to get an invitation, stating “it’s all or nobody.” “Anything we get about Martin Savage Park we circulate to all our councillors the minute we receive it,” he said.
“We are aware of how delicate it is locally. Some residents are very much in favour and some are very much against it. It’s about keeping that clarity out there and keeping the residents in the loop as things progress.”
Dublin City Council has been contacted requesting clarity around the details of this meeting.
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