Submissions on Town Plan

There is a little time left to make submissions on the upcoming Westport Town Development Plan. The deadline for this is the 1st October. I have sent the following Press Release into the local media on the issue and I hope this will trigger a good public interaction on the issue. There are plenty of issues like the Bank of Ireland Garden and Skateboard parks and the conservation of the history of our town to be dealt with and I want everyone to have their say.

I was checking on other towns and it seems that Longford and other towns actually hold meetings on this issue. I have always proposed public meetings on this time of issue. It is too late for Westport but we should definately look at it for the next town plan.

Controversial issues like the use of the Bank of Ireland Garden as a town park, the provision of land for skateboard parks and community facilities and the return of the Point as a swimming area are all issues that Labour’s Keith Martin has raised in his submission on the new Westport Town Plan which will be drawn up over the next couple of months.
Cllr Martin has warned that the citizens of Westport only have until the 1st October to make a submission on the new Town Plan which will be drawn up over the next couple of months.
Cllr Martin says “This is the time for the people of Westport to have their say in how they want their town developed. The Town Plan affects everything from traffic and shopping to land zoning and use.”
Cllr Martin has himself made a detailed submission calling for the redevelopment of the Quay as a swimming area and for the zoning of the Bank of Ireland Garden as a recreational area.
“I have also called for an end to one and two bedroom houses and apartments in favour of family friendly units of 3 and 4 bedrooms and that a suitable area of land be identified for zoning for community facilities and a community building and park area be put in place for the Quay area along the lines of the Golf Course Road scheme.
The Planning and Development Act, 2000, states that each Planning Authority is obliged to prepare a Development Plan for its functional area every six years.
The aim of the Plan is to set out a framework for the sustainable physical development of the Town, while ensuring the conservation and protection of the built and natural environment. It also aims to carefully consider the needs of all groups and individuals within the Town and to promote equal opportunities.
The October 1st deadline marks the end of the first round of consultation and is the basis for the Draft Development Plan which will be drawn up as a response to the submissions made before October 1st.
Cllr Martin concludes “The Town Plan is the single most important document in the town’s management and the people of Westport should be very involved in the process. The Westport Branch of the Labour Party have also made a submission and I would urge individuals and groups to have their say. Like voting, your voice won’t be heard unless you use it. If people are concerned about things like the Bank of Ireland Garden and recreational land and facilities for our children then now is the time to make your voice heard.”
Submissions must be submitted to Ann Moore, Town Clerk, Westport Town Council or e-mailed to amoore@mayococo.ie before the deadline.