Caitríona McClean, Fianna Fáil candidate in GE20 and Lucan resident, is calling on South Dublin County Council to guarantee a voice for locals in the tourism plans to be developed by a tourism development consulting company, CHL Consulting Company LTD, recently announced.
‘I have concerns. Lucan has a fast-growing population in need of access to the village, and natural beauty of the area, and I would like to see a consultation process take place perhaps through the Councils own Public Participation Network. There is a huge amount of activism, young and old, new and older residents of Lucan, and the vicinity who must be heard’, says McClean.
The housing and development needs of Lucan and the surrounding areas are well-documented. South Dublin County Council housing waiting list reflects the need for growth which is being currently addressed. ‘Our Constituency here in Dublin Mid-West is one of the fastest growing Dublin populations, and there is already more development to take place which is essential as housing is a key concern here. Minister Darragh O’ Brien launched new spending and development very recently in relation to Clonburris and Adamstown, and this is extremely welcome. We need to have regard for the needs of established and new populations and the traffic and access needs of people who live in Lucan village itself and close by.’
Sustainable public transport is key to the traffic and access needs of residents and visitors according to Caitríona. ‘I have written to the joint Oireachtas Transport Committee, and to the Minister Eamon Ryan, on the need for light rail out along the N4, and I have enquired of the Council regarding the weekend pedestrianization of the Main St here in the village to accommodate outdoor trading to allow locals engage safely with the local business community in a real and practical way. I would like to see the appointed consultants on any tourism initiative engage with the reality of our lives here in Lucan and incorporate that in plans and proposals for tourism.’ says McClean.
Caitríona McClean argues that any plans for the development of Lucan as a tourist destination must take account of and factor in the well-being of the people of Lucan and the surrounding area as well as sustainable public transport.
