COUNCILLORS RENEGE ON COMMUNITY PROMISE

At a recent meeting of Fingal County Council a motion put forward by Cllr. Peter Coyle (Lab.) for the deletion of the proposed new runway at Dublin Airport from the Draft Development Plan was defeated. Local councillors who had unanimously pledged their support to people of Poitmamock reneged on these promises.
While the motion was defeated it did receive the support of Cllr. Peter Coyle(L.ab) and his Labour Party colleagues. Cllr. Robert Kelly (Green) and Cllr. Clare Daly (Socialist Party) honoured previous commitments to the people of Portmarnock and voted in the interest of the community.

Sean Dolphin (FG),Fingal County Council chairman, who had previously written to the PCA pledging his full support to UPROAR did a 180 degree turn at the meeting and voted against the community.

Cllr. Michael Kennedy (FF), himself a resident of Portrnarnock but looking for election in the Swords Ward, also voted in favour of a new runway. Cllr. Kennedy had, at previous public meetings in Portmarnock, assured us of his opposition to this development.

Cllr Daragh O'Brien (FF) who became a councillor last year as the nominee of GV Wright TD also voted in favour of the retention of the runway proposal.

EDITORIAL
Is it any wonder that people are losing confidence in the political system when the individuals that we have helped to elect and who are now busy looking for our votes have callously abandoned the legitimate concerns of the residents of Portmarnock and reneged on their personal promises and assurances. The PCA is a non-political organisation but must seriously consider putting forward its own candidates in future elections so that the interests of Portmarnock residents can be protected We urge members to let their views
be known to the wannabe councillors and to vote for those who best serve the interests of Portmarnock

Portmarnock Community Association
Annual General Meeting 29th April 2004

A large attendance of about 300 had an opportunity to view presentation stands assembled by several of the PCA Committees, as well as a Community Policing stand manned by Sergeant Austin Cox. The Planning Committee assembled an impressive collection of maps detailing the planning threats that now confront us. The Beach Committee had a stand detailing developments affecting the beach. The UPROAR Committee presented the scale of the ongoing threat to our etviromnent and well-being posed by the proposed second runway at Dublin Airport.
The meeting concluded with elections. Joe Gallagher was elected as incoming Chairperson, with Maire O'Brien as Treasurer. About twelve people were elected or re-elected to the Committee, with the other Officer positions to be filled at the first Committee Meeting. (Brian Bvrne is the new Secretary). Committee meetings are held at the Parish Centre at 20.00 on the second Thursday of each month and anyone wishing to represent their area welcome as there are positions remaining open on the Committee. You are welcome to contact Joe Gallagher on 01-8463932.

What The Candidates Said

A sub committee of the PCA, chaired by Joe Gallagher invited the candidates for the forthcoming Local Elections to outline their positions on issues affecting Portmarnock. Here is a summary of what they said:

Peter Covle (Lab) Is fully supportive of UPROAR's position. Has put forward in excess of 30 motions in relation to planning concerns arising from the County Development Plan. He supports the protection of the green belt around Portmarnock.

Paul Cuddy (FG) Disagreed with Sean Dolphins vote on the runway issue and is personally opposed to the development of a new runway. Concerned about the lack of facilities for the disabled.

Alan Farrell (FG) Will not support new runway. Concerned about inappropriate developments such as those at Robs Wall.

Barbara Foley (FF) Would like to see runway project re-evaluated. Sees her duty as a public rep. to take back the wishes and needs of the majority of the community.

Robert Kelly (Green) Confirmed Green Party policy that the abandonment of the runway proposal would be a condition of their entry to any future government. Opposes the dilution of the green belt between Portmamock & Malahide.

The PCA would like to express their appreciation to these candidates who took time out from their busy schedules to debate the issues concerning Portmarnock.,

*** Daragh O'Brien (FF) Unable to attend meeting and can only be judged on his vote in support of the runway proposal.
*** Nicola Byrne (YD) Declined to attend meeting in spite of numerous invitations..