Further consultation to take place on Enfield car park plans

The planning report on a controversial proposal by Meath County Council to construct a 100 space car park and civic plaza in Enfield was noted by Trim Municipal District councillors today with an amendment made that before any development goes ahead, further formal consultation must take place with all stakeholders.

Councillors did not reject the proposal but after a lengthy discussion, agreed to note the report with an amendment that before any development of the site proceeds, further statutory or formal consultation must take place.

Meath County Council's part eight proposal included town centre parking to serve local businesses and commuters as well as the playground and community hub, together with recycling facilities, car charging facilities, bicycle parking and a civic plaza area of 1,200sqm.

The bulk of the site would provide for 107 parking spaces and there was strong opposition from locals who felt the area would be better served to provide civic amenities on what is currently the only council owned land in the area.

At the same time, parking has been an issue for well over a decade in Enfield and the site is zoned for parking with any change from this use requiring a variation to the county development plan.

The planning report, circulated to councillors on 5th January, recommended that the development proceed. Councillors then have a six-week window to either note it and the recommendations, amend it or reject it.

Either way, nothing will happen for a number of years as the site in question, which previously accommodated Enfield Community College, is to become the temporary accommodation for the new community special school due to open in the town later this year.

Director of Services Des Foley confirmed that Meath County Council has agreed a licence with the Department of Education and LMETB for temporary school facilities for two years with an option to extend this, which will enable the new special school get up and running.

He said they were very cognisant of the concerns that had been raised during the planning process and proposed that the report be noted with an amendment that further consultation would take place on the future use of the site prior to the development commencing.

Mr Foley said the part eight is not going to be enacted any time soon because they had entered the commitment with the special school so for the next two years, possibly three to four years. He added that a lot could change in the meantime in terms of other developments in Enfield and the possibility of other park and ride proposals being brought forward or other amenity or civic space becoming available.

However, Cllr Ronan Moore who sits on the Town Team felt the amendment didn't go far enough and that the councillors sitting around the table could change after the local elections.

After a lengthy discussion and number of changes to the proposed amendment suggested, it was finally agreed unanimously to note the report with the amendment to "note the part eight recommendation, however prior to the commencement of any development on site, further consultation will take place through a formal or statutory process with all interested stakeholders including the Enfield Town Centre First team on the future use of the space as a multi-functioning facility to include potential amenity and civic uses".