Temporary planters won’t be removed from Greystones street

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Concerns have been raised after district councillors in Greystones were informed that council officials were not able to remove the temporary planters, on the side of Bank of Ireland, which were installed along the town’s main street during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cllr Louise Fenlon Gaskin had brought forward a motion calling for engineers to replace them with properly designated parking spaces for elderly, age-friendly and disabled users to improve access to local shops and services.

The motion at their October meeting was seconded by the Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mark Barry.

Cllr Fenelon Gaskin stated that the planters were introduced on Church Road as a temporary measure during Covid-19 but suggested that they were now negatively impacting on local businesses as it was difficult for elderly and disabled people to get to the shops.

District engineer Graham Cullen indicated that this area was part of the Pathfinder Scheme, which was is due to go to Part 8 planning. He highlighted how consultants were currently reviewing the proposals before presenting them to the members in advance of the public consultation process.

Mr Cullen highlighted issues with providing disabled parking spaces at the location as the standards had changed and spaces were now doubled in size so there may not be enough space.

In response to a query from the members he confirmed that if the motion was passed, works could only be carried out if they complied with the current standards.

Mr Cullen also pointed out how the provision of parking spaces come under the parking regulations which are due to be reviewed soon.

In response to a query from the members district manager Helena Dennehy stated that the review of the regulations was the responsibility of Bray Municipal District. She stated that the notice of motion passed would be sent to the Roads Section for consideration.

The matter came back before councillors at their December monthly meeting when Mr Cullen said it was not possible to consider making the change as it would interfere with the Pathfinder Scheme.

Both Cllr Fenelon Gaskin and Cllr Orla Finn expressed their disappointment at the decision and asked officials to reconsider.

Since the installation of the planters an unforeseen consequence has arisen.

Bank of Ireland, AIB Bank, Core Credit Union, McGleenan’s Pharmacy and PTSB Greystones are all located near each other on the main street.

However, there is no drop off or parking available at the commercial hub of the town. For some senior citizens and those who are mobility impaired, it remains a challenge to reach these businesses.