INDEPENDENT councillor Fergus Kilcoyne wants a public apology for the people of Patrickswell in relation to comments made over attempts “to divide the community”.
Fine Gael councillor Dan McSweeney was asked by the Limerick Post last week to comment on an urgent call made by Cllr Kilcoyne for answers on the proposed €1.5 million community resource centre in Patrickswell.
Cllr Kilcoyne had claimed that Patrickswell Community Council failed to involve the local community, or even publish the drawings for the proposed centre until after they were lodged. He also claimed that planning permission was obtained solely by the executive committee of the Community Council without consultation with the full committee members.
In response, Cllr McSweeney said he was conscious that the current proposal has the ability to be extended once funding becomes available. He also took the view that this current project needs to get underway as a matter of urgency.
“I am disappointed that attempts are being made to divide the community. The community of Patrickswell have waited too long for a community centre and any proposals that will require planning permission will certainly significantly delay or even stop the project going ahead,” he told the Limerick Post.
Following on from that, Cllr Kilcoyne now wants a public apology from Cllr McSweeney on behalf of the community of Patrickswell for his comments.
“We live in a democracy not like some other countries and the community are entitled to voice their opinion regarding the size/layout of the proposed multi-purpose community centre that was never put on public display prior to the application being lodged,” Cllr Kilcoyne claimed.
“462 residents want a public meeting to discuss what is now proposed as they were not consulted on these plans and see them as inadequate and not fit for the needs of a growing community. It is insulting to suggest attempts are being made to divide the community. These residents, along with myself, only want what is best for our community.”
