From: FAB Network [firbohgroup@gmail.com]
Sent: 29 June 2006 15:05
To: Brian Hayes; Charlie O'Connor TD; Conor Lenihan TD; Pat Rabbitte TD; Caitriona Jones; Cathal King; Jim Daly; John Hannon; Karen Warren; Marie Corr; Anne Hyland SDCC; Dara Larkin SDCC; Gerry Ryan SDCC; Jim Browne SDCC; Jim Johnson SDCC; Martin Judge SDCC; Patricia Devlin SDCC; SDCC Planning Dept
Subject: Water Tank and Pump House at Beechdale Green Area
FAB Community Service Network
c/o Mary Roberts
13, Wooddale Drive,
Ballycullen,
Dublin 24
Mob: 087-9967225

Re: Water Tank and Pump House at Beechdale Green Area

Dear Local TDs, Councillors, Planners

    The FAB Community Services Network is a community based forum for individuals, voluntary groups, agencies and residents living in the Firhouse and Bohernabreena Parish area. This area incorporates the following estates: Parklands, Ferncourt, Wooddale, Daletree, Glenasmole, Beechdale, Ely, Allenton, Oakdale, Old Court, Bohernabreena.

    We wish to express through our local Network our concerns and horror regarding the construction of a "Water Tank and Pump House" on the public open green space area at Beechdale Ave., Road, Lawn and Park.

   Having visited the site of this concrete monstrosity, we were appalled at what we witnessed and immediately felt obliged to contact you on this matter to acknowledge FAB's support of the Beechdale residents in their campaign and protest.

    It is obvious to us that the Beechdale residents have legitimate concerns and have been treated in a most appalling manner by our local public servants and representatives. It appears that no planning permission was sought and that this 'water tank' is in the process of construction to facilitate plans for new apartments at the expense of promised local shops and childcare facilities! Is this a sign of things to come?

    We believe that our green spaces and public open area are both necessary and precious and play an important role in promoting healthy recreational activities for young people and local residents in general. Instead this 'Water Tank' will become a disgusting, graffiti-ridden, ugly eyesore and a dangerous hazard for children at play. We also believe it will lend itself to a congregating area for gangs and not to mention devaluing local residential property. It also has not escaped our notice that the local residents were allowed purchased their homes and move in BEFORE any construction took place and in the belief that the green opposite was designated by the council as PUBLIC OPEN SPACE.  One wonders how you yourself would feel if you were treated in such as disgraceful manner?

   On Sunday June 11th we held our first Community Family Fun-Day in Ballycragh Park. Mr. Mick Whelan, (property developer Maplewood Homes) whose company was responsible for building Beechdale and surrounding estates attended. He said that he was honoured to be invited and how delighted he was to see the local community enjoying the park that he developed. He emphasised "the importance of using this green space for both recreational and leisure use and long may this continue". And yet on the other hand it appears that public representatives and bodies are allowing the developer to alienate local residents and build this water tower right outside their front doors!

   We anticipate that within your role and remit of responsibility to this local community you are morally obliged to do your utmost to prevent this monstrosity from going ahead.
   We read the Councils motto on it crest the words  "Ag Seo Ár gCúram" and "This We Hold In Trust".
   WE trust that YOU will live those responsibilities and earn the trust you hold in serving the people.
    
   We look forward to hearing from you on this matter and hope to be kept updated on developments.

    Yours sincerely,
    Mary Roberts (Secretary)
    
    FAB Community Service Network
    Mob: 087-9967225


email:   info@firbohgroup.org
website: www.firbohgroup.org