A quick update with some important numbers...
"369 - the goose drank wine" - so goes The Clapping Song by Shirley Ellis and there's every good reason to clap as the petition continues to gain support with 369 signatures (just keep the goose away from the drinks cabinet - it's still Dry January!).
357 - the total number of submissions received (for or against) during DLRCOCO's 2019 Public Consultation Phase on Shanganagh Park (Source: page 2, Shanganagh Park - Have Your Say Public Consultation Report). Considering how much further the Phase One Development goes beyond the original Masterplan (as presented to the public at two open meetings during the original 2019 consultation), it is extremely disappointing that there have been no public meetings held by DLRCOCO for the current Phase One Development. The number of people coming out in opposition to the new plans reflects this and is nothing short of impressive, sending a clear signal to the planners and Councillors responsible that the current plans regrettably fail the park, park users, the people of Shankill and the surrounding communities. It also badly damages DLRCOCO's authenticity and credibility on matters of social responsibility and environmental sustainability during a climate crisis and unprecedented development in the county.
24.4 - the height in meters of each of the NINE Floodlight pylons planned for the central field. 24.4 is the equivalent of a SEVEN-storey building so goodbye sunrise, goodbye night sky, goodbye clear open space for head space. Goodbye kite-flying, cloud appreciation and the scenic views of Killiney Hill, Bray Head, the Ballycorus Leadmines, Carrickgollogan, Sugarloaf and Wicklow Mountains. See the article photo above or the Floodlight plans from DLRCOCO's web site for a visual.
73% - the approximate number of female signatories to the petition so far - is DLRCOCO really going to ignore the voices and concerns of women and girls to provide facilities which will predominantly (though thankfully not exclusively) benefit male teams? Safety has already been identified as a major concern if females or vulnerable persons in search of quite, passive space are forced across the railway to the fields on the east of the park.
6 - the number of days left to formally submit your opposition to the current plans and demand an alternative that supports sport but preserves the park's balance by using existing infrastructure and not developing where none exists.
3 - the tasks we have to do - make a submission to DLRCOCO by 01 February, share the petition, lobby your Councillors - they are here to represent us, not lobby groups.
1 - the voice each of us has to demand change so let's use it to full effect!
#SaveShanganaghPark
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Remember - submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development may be made in writing on or before Tuesday, 1st February 2022 inclusive as follows:
(a) in writing and clearly marked ‘PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT SHANGANAGH PARK (PHASE 1) PC/PKS/03/21’
to: Eoin O’Brien, Senior Executive Park Superintendent, Department of Community and Cultural Development, Dún Laoghaire-
Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, A96 K6C9.
(b) dlr consultations on the Council’s website at https://dlrcoco.citizenspace.com/parks/pc-pks-03-2021-proposed-development-at-shanganagh/ or
(c) by email to parksconsultations@dlrcoco.ie