A RESIDENTS group which opposes the provision of a youth centre in Ballynanty say they form “a large majority” of the Ballynanty and Kileely communities, contrary to the “small minority” described last week by City Councillor Tom Shortt.
Ballynanty Residents Opposition Committee spokesperson Anne-Marie Stacke told Limerick Post that the group had seen a large turnout at meetings and had received a “generous response of donations” to help fund the cost of the appeal to An Bord Plenala.
Ms Stacke stressed that the residents “support the excellent work that Limerick Youth Service undertakes and recognises the contribution that its services and facilities provide to a particular social group within Limerick city and county”.
Outlining the residents’ opposition to the centre, Ms Stacke stated that the development is intended to be used “by a particular group” rather than the general youth population of Ballynanty and surrounding areas.
She continued: “The particular site is adjacent to the only entrance and exit to Ballynanty, which is already heavily trafficked and congested by other amenities within the vicinity such as Thomond Park, St Lelia’s Church and St Munchin’s Girls School.”
The residents are also concerned that the development will impact on the local allotments and will result in “the loss of limited green space within the community”.
Ms Stacke added that “an invasion of youth into the area is contrary to the proper development of the area” due to the predominantly elderly demographic.
She remarked: “There is also the fear that a congregation of so many youths into the particular area could result in anti-social behaviour.”
The group also disagrees with Cllr Shortt’s comments regarding a shortage of youth facilities in the area.
According to Ms Stacke: “We are already oversaturated with programmes and developments compared to other areas of the city and county. Having a huge new unwanted development will not encourage those who are not currently availing of the services already in situ, to use them.”
The group believes that an alternative site at the Long Pavement offered by local businessman Ray Conway, which they claim has not been considered by Limerick Youth Service, would be “a win-win situation for all parties involved”.
Ms Stacke concluded: “Whether An Bord Plenala decide to refuse or grant permission, the site in question still has to be disposed of by Limerick City Council. It will come down to their decision in the end, and that decision will have a major impact on a small community.”
Above: An architect’s drawing of the proposed youth centre building at Ballynanty.
