[Press Release: November 18th, 2002]

GREENS WARN AGAINST DEVELOPMENT ON FLOOD PLAIN OF DARGLE RIVER

Following the flooding and heavy rains of the past week, the Green Party has warned that a proposed development by Bray Town Council on the People's Park in Bray will interfere with the flood plain of the Dargle River. Bray Town Council has recently advertised its intention to build changing rooms for four football teams on a site in the People's Park opposite St Brigid's Terrace, on the bridge side of the children's play area.

"Bray Town Council originally intended to build the changing rooms on the site of the former Gate Keepers Lodge" says Green Party councillor Deirdre de Burca."However,research revealed the existence of a 1200 mm diameter storm water relief sewer passing through the middle of this site. Consequently, the building was sited opposite St Brigid's Terrace" she says.

Councillor de Burca has expressed her concern about the current siting of the development on the grounds that the entire People's Park is a flood plain for the Dargle River. "One only needs to think back to the massive flooding that happened Bray in 1987 after Hurricane Charlie to realise that the houses in this area are particularly vulnerable to flooding" she says. "It would be irresponsible of the council to proceed with this development without seriously considering alternatives".

The Green Party is calling for a Flood Risk Assessment to be carried out on the People's Park before any development takes place. "The real tragedy of this situation is that sports facilities like these are badly needed in the town" says de Burca. "A balanced approach to planning in the town has not been followed and as a result there has been a huge amount of residential development and few if any public amenities provided".

The Greens have also asked Bray Town Council to examine other structures and sites nearby for suitability for changing rooms. "I am aware that the Area Action Plan for Ravenswell Golf Club included a provision for sports facilities" says de Burca. "Will this development on the People's Park mean that sports facilities will not have to be provided at Ravenswell? Are the members of Bray Town Council happy to support this proposal"?

The Bray Greens have made a submission to the Bray Town Council concerning the development on the People's park and this matter will be considered by the Town Council over the next month.

For further information please contact Deirdre de Burca on 086 8061450 or email deburca@wicklowgreens.org.