The council have announced plans for two new greening projects in Inchicore – both on the edges of the Bulfin Estate.
The first is at the end of Goldenbridge Terrace and the second is on the corner of Bulfin and Emmet Roads.
I’ve pushed for these for a long time. You can see more details on the plans here, but below is the submission I made to the public consultation on the designs.
A chara,
I am writing in support of the two greening projects proposed for Inchicore.
For the Bulfin/Emmet Road projects, I fully support it and would advise maximising as much space as possible for the greening.
For the Goldenbridge Terrace project, I support the project and would suggest:
– retaining the existing tree on the eastern side of the project: removing a vibrant, healthy tree for the greening project would undercut public support for the project and be a backwards step – especially considering it will take time for the newly planted trees to grow;
– give a commitment before the project begins to review the use of the benches at three months and six months after installation. I support the benches going in, but many locally have raised concerns about potential negative uses. If this proves to be an issue, they can be removed, but a commitment to a timed review from the outset would put many minds at ease;
– remove the rusted barbed wire on the top of the wall along the project;
– work with Waterways Ireland to remove the bad gate between this project and the canal, which looks unsightly and creates a pinch point;
– reduce the size of the buff asphalt area (I would suggest removing the section marked in red below). The wider area is already heavily covered in hard surface: it would be better to maximise green space here, and even a larger section of grass would be good for the many children who live on adjoining roads.
In canvassing and speaking with some residents, one person who did not have internet access asked me to pass on their opposition to the scheme: they prefer to keep the parking as is. I don’t agree with this point, but gave a commitment that their view would be included in feedback.
I want to thank the team for their work on the project and in particular welcome the use of signs at the site to notify locals about the design.
Overall, I fully support the project and think with the above suggestions (particularly in keeping the tree and reducing the asphalt area), the project should go ahead as soon as possible.
Many thanks,
Michael