This submission stems from my interest in
the provision of adequate green space for
the recreation and enjoyment of the
population of Ashbourne. The health and
social benefits flowing from the availability
of such facilities are well-documented in the academic and practitioner literature. On
January 21 last 32 Meath County Councillors unanimously voted to zone 80 acres of
Killegland Farm as Open Space for the
provision of a Community Park. I
understand from the Chief Executive’s
response in her report of 19 April that some MCC Execs consider this excessive (15-20
acres has been mentioned in various public forums) and seek to postpone the decision
on park size until later (the LAP stage),
when the Councillors’ influence may be less final. This can only give comfort to
opponents of the Community Park and signs are that it already has. I ask that the County Development Plan 2021-2027 incorporate an unequivocal commitment to a Community
Park of at least 80 acres. In support of this I contend that:
• On 21 Jan, 80 acres minimum was the
outcome of the democratic process.
• Based on Ashbourne’s population alone, all the research on Health and Wellness
benefits supports an 80-acre minimum.
Some examples: o The Future Analytics
report, commissioned by Playspaces
Network, recommends 33.4 ha (80 acres).
o The World Health organization
parameters give a recommendation of 160
acres. o The formula in Dublin City Council’s Parks Strategy would recommend between 90 and 130 acres. o The Fields in Trust (UK – used by >75% of Local Authorities) standard (6 acres per 1000 pop. comes out at 90 acres plus. All of the above assumes the Park
serves a population of 15,000. • In reality,
the Park will be serving a far wider
catchment area than just Ashbourne (South-east Meath and indeed North-west Fingal),
perhaps as many as 50k citizens all told.
•
On the question of cost constraints, multiple alternative funding models are available but do not appear to have been considered. In any case, the timescale for the delivery of the Park can be ‘flexed’ to suit resource
availability (People, Funds, Benevolent
suppliers, etc). • The Ashbourne Community has an excellent track record for delivering
large projects. The Community and
Councillors of Ashbourne support the
80-acre minimum scale. They have
marshalled and delivered extensive
evidence supporting their case. Many
challenges will emerge on the journey
towards this great goal for Ashbourne. I
sincerely ask that unity of purpose not be
one of them. It is essential that we all,
Community, Councillors and Executive,
present a united front to those who may
seek to frustrate this project. Therefore,
please ensure that the County Development Plan 2021-2027 be 100% clear in its
unanimous support for the 80-acre
minimum for the Community Park, the
future heart and lungs of Ashbourne.