Concerned residents lodge appeal against 246 home development in Blarney

Blarney residents Take Stand Against Oversized housing Project

Blarney, known for its picturesque charm and welcoming community, faces a growing storm of discontent as residents rally against a proposed housing advancement. While acknowledging the need for new homes, local residents feel the scale of the ringwood project, envisioned to include 246 homes, far outweighs the capacity of Blarney’s existing infrastructure.

Concerns center around potential traffic gridlock, already a pressing issue for the village, and the impact on the established aesthetic appeal that defines Blarney. residents fear the addition of four-storey apartment blocks, a defining feature of the ringwood development, will overwhelm the village’s customary ambiance.

“The residents of Blarney are generally supportive of new housing developments,” explains Fiona O’Connell, spokesperson for the Blarney Residents Action Group. “Though, the scale of the Ringwood project, wiht 246 new homes, is simply too much for our existing infrastructure to handle. We’re already facing meaningful traffic congestion, and worries are high that this development will exacerbate the issue,” she adds. “Even Cork City Council’s own Development Plan seems to echo these concerns.”

Beyond traffic congestion,residents harbor anxieties about the strain the development will place on local resources. Schools, healthcare facilities, and essential amenities already operate near capacity, prompting questions about how the influx of residents will impact these vital services.

Faced with mounting concerns and a perceived lack of responsiveness from authorities, Blarney residents have made a bold decision. they have lodged an appeal to an Bord Pleanála, Ireland’s national planning board, hoping to halt or modify the Ringwood project. “Despite supporting housing development, residents feel they’ve been left with no choice but to appeal to An Bord Pleanála,” states O’Connell. “There’s a sense of desperation, a fear that our cherished community is about to be overshadowed by unchecked development.”

Blarney Residents Raise Infrastructure Concerns Over New Housing Development

Plans for 246 new homes in Blarney, Cork, are facing a pushback from local residents who have appealed the project to An Bord Pleanála. While acknowledging the need for housing,the Blarney Residents’ Action group has expressed serious concerns about the potential impact of the development on local infrastructure and the quality of life for existing residents.

“Locals say the scale of the proposed development ‘will exacerbate already critical traffic bottlenecks, place unsustainable pressures on local infrastructure, and compromise the quality of life for current and future residents’,” reports Echo Live.

These worries are echoed in Cork City Council’s own Development Plan 2022-2028, which bluntly states, “Deficiencies in the road network is one of the key reasons for the low level of development in Blarney, relative to other urban towns, with the existing road infrastructure unable to serve proposed developments.” Consequently, residents are calling for the immediate construction of an R617 relief road to alleviate the impending traffic congestion.

Prior to the project receiving planning permission from Cork City Council last December, over 20 residents lodged objections, highlighting their concerns about traffic management and the scale of the proposed four-storey apartment blocks. One resident stated, “With approximately 380 units already existing on Station Rd, the scale of the developments proposed — with the additional units sharing only one exit and entry point — will result in residents experiencing large volumes of traffic congestion and delays.”

Another resident shared a firsthand account: “Residents of Station Rd at present have experienced delays of up to 15 minutes and longer trying to exit the junction at the bottom of Station Rd. the establishment of this development has the potential to double the length of time commuters will experience.”

Adding to their concerns, residents argue that these high-rise buildings are visually out of place in Blarney, a village known for its historical charm. One objection pointed out that, “Due to their height and proximity to adjacent dwellings, the proposed apartments will be visually overbearing, seriously affecting the residential amenities of property in the vicinity by reason of loss of light and overlooking impact.”

Residents also expressed worry about the strain the influx of new residents will place on already stretched local services.”There are minimal plans to enhance any essential services in the village or add to local amenities, which are already outdated and insufficient to handle the influx of new residents,” they stated.

The shortage of local GPs was another pressing concern raised by a resident who shared, “Personally, my family must now make the trip to Bishopstown — while I know of other vulnerable/elderly individuals who must drive to either Blackpool or Ballincollig.”

Despite their support for housing development in Blarney, residents ultimately felt compelled to appeal to An Bord Pleanála. One resident summed up their position stating, “Residents who are broadly in favour of housing in the Ringwood development have been left with no option but to regrettably appeal to an Bord Pleanála. We want to see growth that enhances the area and its infrastructure, not just profits for investment funds and developers.”

The appeals board is expected to deliver its decision by May 6th.

Blarney Residents fear Overshadowed Charm Amidst 246-Home Development Plan

The proposed Ringwood development in Blarney, County cork, is sparking controversy as locals voice concerns about its potential impact on the charming village. Amidst Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis, residents are grappling with the prospect of 246 new homes being built, raising anxieties about infrastructure strain and the village’s unique character. Fiona O’Connell, a spokesperson for the Blarney Residents’ Action Group, sheds light on the community’s outlook.

“The residents of Blarney generally welcome new housing developments,” Fiona explains, “However, the scale of the Ringwood project, with 246 new homes, simply overwhelms our existing infrastructure. We’re already experiencing significant traffic congestion, and there’s a serious worry that this development will make the situation unbearable.”

The Cork City Council’s own Development Plan seems to echo these concerns. “Absolutely,” Fiona affirms.”The plan acknowledges that Blarney’s road network is insufficient to support large-scale development. Without essential upgrades, like the long-awaited R617 relief road, things will become untenable. Imagine the increased traffic around our schools and local shops – it will affect everyone’s quality of life.”

The development proposal has generated a debate about finding a balance between providing much-needed housing and preserving the essence of Blarney. Continued dialog and collaboration between the developers,local residents,and the Cork City Council are crucial to ensure a sustainable and beneficial outcome for the community.

Residents Fight for Blarney’s soul Against Proposed Development

Blarney, a charming village known for its history and picturesque streetscapes, is facing a battle over large-scale development plans. Residents, while acknowledging the need for housing, are deeply concerned about the scale and impact of the proposed project on their beloved community.

Fiona O’Connell, a vocal resident leader, sums up the collective worry, “Blarney is known for its charm and historic character. These high-rise structures simply seem out of place. They will overshadow the existing homes and detract from the village’s unique aesthetic. The notion of ‘development at all costs’ doesn’t sit well with many of us.” The proposed development, including four-storey apartment blocks, has raised alarm bells about its visual impact on the village’s ambience.

Beyond aesthetics, residents are worried about the strain on local resources.”Our existing services are already stretched thin,” O’Connell explains. “We’re desperately short on gps, for example. Imagine what adding hundreds of new residents will do to the pressure on these limited resources – schools, healthcare facilities, even local stores. Nobody wants to see Blarney become overcrowded and overwhelmed.”

These concerns,despite repeated attempts at dialogue with the local council,have led to a last resort: an appeal to An Bord Pleanála,the irish national planning authority. As O’Connell states, “We explored every avenue.We engaged with the local council, brought our concerns forward, and tried to negotiate. Regrettably, it felt like our voices weren’t being heard. We believe this development, in its current form, poses a significant threat to the well-being and character of Blarney. This appeal is a last resort, an attempt to protect the village we love for future generations.”

The battle for Blarney’s future is far from over. O’Connell urges anyone interested in learning more to delve into the details of the proposed development and its potential impact. “This is not just about one development; it’s about ensuring responsible and sustainable growth in our community,” she emphasizes. “We encourage everyone to do their research and join our conversation.”

How has the Blarney residents’ Action Group sought to engage with Cork City Council regarding their concerns about the Ringwood growth?

Fighting for Blarney’s Future: An interview with Fiona O’Connell

The proposed Ringwood development in Blarney,County Cork,has sparked debate and concern within the local community. Fiona O’Connell, a spokesperson for the Blarney Residents’ Action Group, shares her outlook on the potential impact of this project on their beloved village.

Fiona, could you tell us about the Blarney Residents’ Action Group and the concerns that have led to your involvement in this issue?

We’re a group of local residents deeply invested in the well-being of Blarney. Our village is known for its history, charm, and sense of community. While we understand the urgent need for housing, the scale of the proposed Ringwood development – 246 new homes – is simply too large, particularly considering our existing infrastructure and limited resources.

What are the most pressing concerns the group has raised regarding this development?

Several concerns are intertwined. Firstly, the project’s scale threatens to overwhelm Blarney’s infrastructure.Traffic congestion is already a significant problem, and the addition of hundreds of new residents will exacerbate this. The village’s road network hasn’t been upgraded to accommodate such a surge,and the strained situation will impact everyone – residents,businesses,and visitors alike.

Reports also suggest concerns about the visual impact of the development. Can you elaborate on that?

Absolutely. Blarney’s character is partly defined by its historic charm and picturesque streetscapes. The proposed development includes four-storey apartment blocks,which we feel are simply too imposing for the village’s overall aesthetic. Many residents believe these structures will overshadow existing homes and detract from Blarney’s unique character. We want to see housing development that is in harmony with the village’s habitat, not something that overwhelms it.

Beyond aesthetics, what other practical impacts are you worried about for the community?

Many local services are already stretched thin. We face a shortage of GPs, as an example, and schools are at or near capacity. Adding hundreds of new residents without adequate investment in these services will only worsen the situation. We fear blarney will become overcrowded and lose the quality of life that defines it.

What steps has the Residents’ Action Group taken to address these concerns?

We have relentlessly engaged with the Cork City Council, seeking to bring our concerns to their attention. We’ve held meetings, submitted written objections, and participated in public consultations. However, we haven’t felt our voices have been adequately heard. We felt obligated to pursue legal avenues, therefore, we have lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála, ireland’s national planning board, to seek a review of the project and potentially bring about changes that protect Blarney’s future.

What message do you want to send to the broader community about this issue?

This is not just about one development; it’s about ensuring responsible and lasting growth for our community. We encourage everyone to learn more about the Ringwood project and its potential impact. Let’s engage in a constructive dialog about how to meet the need for housing while preserving the unique character and quality of life that makes Blarney so special.