Many of us moved to Johnstown attracted by the semi rural environment. Once upon a time the tree lined avenue of Metges Road gave us a sense of nature on our doorsteps. Future residents will never see the same sight and Johnstown will soon look no different to more urban residential areas with wall to wall bricks and cars.

The objections to every development which involves replacing the wooded area with concrete is more complicated than simply not wishing to see the trees go. The land is central to the area and therefore highly prized and whatever goes there will be a significant landmark. It is therefore essential that residents challenge every proposal to ensure that it is the best that can be had. Any development will become a significant landmark which defines the character of the area. To date few would say that what has been proposed comes anywhere close to reaching their high expectations and instead they all lean heavily towards impractical overdevelopment driven by greed.

Planning Conditions

An Bord Planeala imposed a planning condition to remove 70 car parking spaces which reduces the site capacity by around 30%.

Given that 226 car spaces were planned for the 104 apartments (1,2 and 3 bed) together with 30% space for a creche and other activities someone is going to be without car parking space.

In locations well connected by alternative public transport and with sufficient public facilities nearby it would not be an issue to the developer or future residents. The majority of Johnstown residents would however not be attracted to accomodation without one car space let alone two, or any for visitors, since we do not have access to the train, Dart, there are complaints about the reliability of the Dublin bus service and the local bus service is not as frequent as those in cities.

What Will Happen Next?

The design does have planning permission and the developer might proceed to offer a large proportion of accommodation without any car parking spaces. This would likely result in neighbouring estates hosting those vehicles on their streets.

Some alternatives:

• By significantly lowering the number of apartments to around 65 (not the 104 as planned) the developer would need to re apply for planning permission via Meath County Council.
• Reapply to An Bord Pleanala with a new design to accommodate 70 more car spaces at basement level.
• Abandon plans for this development and, as proposed by Councillors 23/10/19, allow Meath County Council the opportunity to purchase the land as a park / playground / community centre site.