Chris O’Dwyer, the Labour Party’s Local Area Representative for Clondalkin-Rathcoole is calling on South Dublin County Council to rethink plans for towns and villages.
Speaking after the launch of the Labour Party’s national survey Local Area Representative Chris O’Dwyer said: “We need a rethink on what we can do to save our towns. We can’t continue to lose commercial services, banks, post offices, shops and pubs and expect our urban centres to thrive. “The Labour Party is carrying out a national survey to hear what people think needs to happen to rescue our main streets and save our towns & villages. The voice of residents and local stakeholders need to be at the heart of consultation processes. “With the Covid-19 pandemic there have been radical changes in the way we live and work. So many more people are working at home, and less are commuting. There is so much potential for remote working hubs in some of the many empty buildings left behind by small businesses that have not survived the ongoing lockdowns.
“The pandemic has reminded us how important our local shops and amenities are for providing us with the products and services we need. The potential loss of pubs and restaurants reminds us of how important these are as social settings. “Since my appointment as Local Area Representative for the Labour Party in Clondalkin-Rathcoole I have been constantly asking for greater levels of public consultation and I am glad to see that the Labour Party is launching this campaign. “If we look at Rathcoole, Saggart, Newcastle, and Clondalkin there are high levels of housing expansion happening but very little planning for community development or local amenities. We need to see SDCC commit to a plan for Rathcoole, Saggart and Newcastle that allows the voices of residents not only to be heard but listened to.
For more information see www.labour.ie/townsurvey
