Fingal County Council has been urged to follow through on finding a new location for an Arts, Cultural and Youth Facility that is badly needed in the area with ever-increasing population numbers in the area of Donabate Portrane.
With 31% of the local population under the age of 19, and a projected increase in total population numbers expected to grow in the area to 20,000 by the year 2030, calls are being made for FCC to provide the new facility.
Speaking about the issue, Donabate Portrane Local Representative Corina Johnston (LAB) said FCC stated that the existing Community Centre could cater for the current needs of people in the area, something she strongly disagrees with.
“FCC stated at a recent follow up meeting with the Crossroads group that the additional community requirements could be met in the Community Centre when the Library is relocated to the Credit Union site. This proposal is unacceptable as it will not meet the needs of an expanding population of Donabate.”
“The LAP has an objective to provide a Multifunctional Community Facility which the Council seem intent to renege upon. It seems Donabate can have the 4000 houses but not the infrastructure, a situation that we cannot accept. We must demand infrastructure in line with development and a facility that caters for our youth population,” she said.
Despite the suggestion of a new location proposed on the Tilberry Site on the New Road, FCC stated there was ‘other plans’ for the site, something that has worried Cllr Johnston on the Council’s commitment to the Local Area Plan.
“I am deeply concerned that this objective in the LAP is being reneged upon. What is the purpose of public consultation when the council seems intent on reneging on this objective. If this site is not delivered while the land is still not built upon it may never happen. Having spoken to many residents throughout the peninsula they are not prepared to accept that this much needed community facility is being reneged upon. I intend to pursue this to a successful conclusion if elected on 7th June,” she added.