TAYLOR'S HILL RESIDENTS VOW TO OPPOSE MERCY SISTERS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Date Published: 22-Aug-2008

A group of city residents are vowing to oppose a controversial development on a site owned by the Sisters of Mercy at Taylor's Hill.Planners have granted planning permission for the development east of Rosary Lane, which will include more than 120 homes, including a 5-storey apartment block and creche.The development is on the site of the historic Lenaboy Castle, a protected structure.34 conditions have been attached to the development, the chief one being that 1 point 4 million euro must be given to the City Council towards the cost of services for the area.Also 275 thousand euro must be paid by the applicant for junction improvements at Taylors Hill road and Maunsells road.Planners have also stipulated that the phasing of traffic lights at the Rosary Lane / Taylors Hill junction be amended to an 80 second cycle to reduce queuing.However residents in the area met last night at the Ardilaun hotel expressing their concerns about the development.Marie Ruane is one of group opposing the plans and says they will lodge an appeal.Some city councillors had put forwards motions that the land be bought by the Council and made into a park.Councillor Donal Lyons says he's disappointed this was not feasible.