Blake Welcomes Movement on Meadowbank
February 15th, 2005Cllr Damien Blake today welcomed the decision by Letterkenny Town Council to finally move to takeover Meadowbank Park, along with 5 other estates finished prior to 1996, without seeking a financial contribution from the local residents.
Speaking following Monday night’s Council Meeting, at which the new Estate Takeover strategy was adopted, Cllr Blake said “This marks a giant move forward for the residents of these estates, and will see E125,000 put into Meadowbank this year alone. The long-suffering residents of these estates will now see the roads patched in the short term, with full reparation works undertaken during the term of the council.”
The decision, taken unanimously by all members, will see the Council take responsibility for all roads and services in Meadowbank Park, Knocknamona Park, Convent Road, Glenard Park, Ard Lonan and Manor View. Due to the large scale of works to be undertaken, the council is developing a multi-annual plan, which will see Meadowbank, Knocknamona and Convent Road prioritised in the first year, with Meadowbank receiving the Lion’s share of funding.
The new policy is based on a formula proposed by Councillor Blake prior to last year’s local elections.
Cllr Blake said “The plan was developed in response to a meeting with the Meadowbank Park Residents Association in May of last year. Following in-depth research, I was assisted by local solicitor Dessie Shiels in preparing a proposal which would see the council taking over the estates, in accordance with the local authority’s responsibilities.”
“I was criticised by other members, both in the press and in the Council chamber, for seeking legal advice in this matter. My position has been greatly vindicated today. The unanimous support that the proposal received on Monday night shows that the council had a responsibility, on moral and legal grounds, to the residents in these areas. I am grateful for the support of my party colleagues in bringing this matter to a resolution”