In general I would support the overall objective of these amendments which appears to me to be directed at improving the availability of parklands for the people of Ashbourne and surrounding areas. However, I would like to request that maximum benefit of the presence of a watercourse flowing through the "Killegland" lands be taken into account in the location and development of any public parkland in this area.
That a public park is needed is not in question, however the proposed size of the parkland at approximtely 80 acres seems to be fixated on providing the minimum area suitable for the twon's population of about 15,000 people, rather that taking a more enlightened approach by extending the proposed area to perhaps 160 acres to take account of, and make provision for, the 15,000 population of the town, and include the population of areas surrounding Ashbourne, (including Ratoath, Curraha, etc)., who can reasonably be expected to avail of the proposed Public Parkand for exercise and recreation.
We get just one chance to get this project right and a broad view of the benefits of the proposed parkland should be used in the planning of this project.