First new local area plan for Blessington in a decade is voted in
The plan for the west Wicklow town and surrounding area is the first to be adopted in over a decade, with the previous plan in place for six years between 2013 and 2019.
During a meeting of Wicklow County Council on Monday, members considered 37 amendments to the proposed plan that will provide a framework to support the future development of the area up until 2031.
During the council session, councillors also reviewed a myriad of reports that have been carried out ahead of the plan's implementation, looking specifically on how it will affect local communities in the wider west Wicklow region.
Speaking during the meeting, independent councillor John Snell stressed the need for better transport links and called for a committee to be set up to review the issue.
'We were given reassurances on our own local area plan for Wicklow-Rathnew that a committee would be set up straight away and that plan has passed and there's still no sign of a committee being put together.The committees need to be up and running now and not wait until the lifetime of this council is gone.'
In response director of services Brian Gleeson said a group has met on a couple of occasions to look at that proposal of setting up these committees.
'We have gotten support from the National Transport Authority to proceed with that. So, a brief is being drafted up to go to tender under an NTA framework. That is currently being progressed.'
Meanwhile on the issue of land zoning, independent councillor Gerry O' Neill raised concern about the area earmarked for the building of a new graveyard and called for planners to look at other sites.
'We have the main graveyard at Burgage and a proposal was made to extend it to the far side of the road, and the suggestion to remove that, this is where I am objecting to.
'We're down to about 30, 35 spaces in the existing graveyard. So I understand what the planners are saying here and I accept their view, but I believe an alternative site needs to be found.'
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Having considered the 37 amendments, councillors adopted the plan with minor adjustments.
Following the vote Fianna Fáil councillor Patsy Glennon thanked the planning team and his colleagues in the chamber for supporting the plan.
'It will give a new lease of life to Blessington over the coming years and hopefully we will get much needed sports facilities, graveyards, all the things that are essential for a community to be vibrant and looking forward to the future with an increased population.'
The elected members also voted to amend certain planning policies in the Wicklow County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 that will make it possible for the new plan in Blessington to be implemented.
At the conclusion of the meeting director of services Michael Nicholson thanked the planning staff for their 'trojan work.'
'This is the second plan they have gone through having done Wicklow earlier in the year. To do one is a huge task, to do two in quick succession is no joke.
'I thank all 32 councillors for their cooperation, and particularly the members from Baltinglass. I think you all worked very, very well and I think it is a great result.'
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