As concerned residents of Dunkettle and the immediate wider environs, we are voicing our objections to the proposed housing project. 
Our community prides itself on being diverse, inclusive and welcoming. We value thoughtful and sustainable growth that respects the character and needs of our area.
The scale and magnitude of the proposed development stand in stark contradiction to the core principles underpinning responsible planning and development.
This proposal not only disregards the guidelines and objectives outlined in local authority plans but also threatens to undermine the essence of what makes our community vibrant and cohesive. 
It is imperative that such developments align with the long term vision for our area, rather than imposing a disproportionate burden that compromises the environment, infrastructure and overall quality of life.

Note:- Whilst this application is primarily located in the catchment community of Dunkettle, the proposed development site and infrastructure therein is in effect a gateway for people traversing to their place of employment from outside the city boundaries to areas of industrialisation for example, Little Island, RIngaskiddy, South East and indeed the West etc. Hence, the impact of this application is far reaching. It will affect each and every person who navigates this area even on an infrequent basis. This proposal may well impact you and your daily quality of life and it will not be in positive light unfortunately.  
 
Specifically, the L2998 road in particular has become a “rat run” to facilitate the aforementioned. It is the only access point, and it is already over-congested particularly during peak hours but also in general. The area is still suffering from the impact of the recently added Ballyglanna housing estate. The addition of 1,050 new homes will severely compound this issue with approximately 1,500 more cars, at a minimum, and it is reasonable to predict that this is an under forecast of vehicle movements. Furthermore, the L2998 route with regard to a public transport system is severely lacking, with buses and trains irregular and insufficient. The proposed influx of new residents will place an additional burden on current infrastructure and leave many without adequate means of transportation. The nearest supermarket for example is 2km away, a distance not easily made without sufficient transport options, and thus contributing to challenges for potential new residents and those already living in the area. A simple task of getting basic commodities, depending on timing can take up to 40 minutes one way for this short distance to be achieved! This road can be choked and with little to no movement in traffic during peak hours ! One can only imagine the risk to people’s safety in the event of an emergency and inability to get out of such a bottleneck!
 
Our educational system is currently at capacity, with primary and secondary schools struggling to accommodate existing students. Enhancement of infrastructure should precede any population increase. Adding to these pressures, our local GP services are stretched to their limits, with ever-increasing wait times for appointments and a lack of resources to adequately care for our community. Again, putting at risk the overall health, safety and wellbeing of people.
 
Moreover, the proposed housing project may well have serious ecological impacts. The site is a habitat for foxes, squirrels, bats, and birds and no adequate Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out. This development risks disturbing and possibly displacing the local ecosystem, leading to loss of biodiversity.

Additionally, in relation to the diverse mixed species of trees of various ages, some which have grown over hundreds of years and some of which are under preservation order, but there is no indication of the number of trees that will have to be felled and removed from historically an area of vast organically grown hinterland and beauty. There is also no mention of how the builder proposes to offset the carbon footprint of this development during construction phases or indeed in the longer term in regarding sustainable economic growth and development as a viable option for our future in our community.
 
The architectural plan with its high density of houses and apartments creates a vision of a 'concrete jungle'. The development lacks adequate green spaces and recreational facilities, such as playgrounds, to name one.
Construction will last approximately 10 years, creating excessive noise, disruption, and increased volume of construction traffic on the L2998, which will have a wider negative impact on multiple adjoining roads and connections.
Roads will become dirty, and the ongoing construction will severely impact the quality of life for residents, as seen with the ongoing six-year Ballinglanna project, and those who will be passing by this thoroughfare route.

In summary, this planning application threatens our local community. It will cause and compound environmental stress. It will have a devastating impact on the wider community. Affect will be both direct and indirect and can be risk ranked ranging from low to high as well as severity depending on the relevant impact.

As a community, which was originally in the catchment area of the County Development Plan, and a such a countryside living environment on the edge of local amenities,  we are now being catapulted into City Living! 
 
Whilst we understand the need for housing, however, as is, in its current application this proposal is not a community plan based on a model of sustainable growth and development. Hence, we are recommending this application is refused. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure any proposed development is compliant with the fundamental principles of the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028.

Please support our cause and indeed your own, for a sustainable, harmonious Dunkettle community quality of life; dedicated to fostering sustainable growth and enriching the wider community for the present and future generations. Whilst it is tragic that as a community, we had no voice in leading up to this application, no opportunity for a collaborative approach, a constructive and indeed engaging one, and no public consultation forum initiated by the developers! But we will be heard now.  We are reaching out to you to please sign our petition, as together we join with a common goal in mind. An enriched community of current and future sustainable growth and development, with people at its heart.  Thank you kindly.