Mayor appeals for for rethink on Blackwater Park closure

The Mayor of Navan Councillor Tommy Reilly has appealed to the authorities to do everything in their power to keep public parks and beaches open so that people can get some semblance of exercise and fresh air during the present crisis.

He said it was vital for people’s mental health that they should be able to get out into the open to get a break from the restrictions currently in force.

He was speaking after the closure by the Gardai earlier this week of Blackwater Park in Navan because of overcrowding and the failure of some members of the public to fail to maintain proper social distancing. The park was still closed today (Thursday) and any decision to re-open will be guided by Garda advice.

Cllr Reilly said that he had great sympathy for parents who had to isolate themselves with their children with little or no social outlets. “It must be particularly difficult for people living in apartments. Our hearts go out to all of them”, he said. He said that there was a need on occasions to have park rangers in force to supervise access and control in some of the county’s public spaces.

The Mayor went on to praise the staff of Meath County Council for their hard work and dedication to duty over the past two weeks. He said that the CEO Jackie Maguire and the management team had done their utmost to reorganise vital services for the people of the county. He also praised his fellow councillors for maintaining the flow of information about council services to the people.

It should also be acknowledged, he said. that the Taoiseach and his Ministers were doing a tremendous job in the face of one of the worst crises the nation has ever faced.

Mayor of Navan, Tommy Reilly

He also singled out his praise for all who worked in the health service, including in the hospitals, emergency units and GPs’ practices for putting their own lives on the line in order to help all our citizens to get through this present crisis.

Meath Co Council said yesterday it was liaising with An Garda Síochána to explore if a plan can be devised to safely re-open the park on a limited basis that meets the requirements for physical distancing. The Park will remain closed over this weekend.