SINN Féin's new offices
in Buncrana are "inundated" every week with
residents raising concerns about their housing
developments, according to Cllr. Daren Lalor.
Cllr. Lalor yesterday urged people to band together
to form residents' associations to meet the
challenges that lie ahead including traffic calming,
infrastructure and the take-over of private estates
by the local authority.
"There is a real need now for residents to be more
proactive. Inishowen, over the last few years, has
undergone the largest housing boom in its history.
"While this is welcome, it also brings new and added
challenges for both residents and urban and county
councils," he said.
"Issues relating to new housing developments are on
the increase. Our office here in Buncrana is
inundated on a weekly basis with such issues.
"Some of the issues raised by residents are the
installation of traffic calming measures, general
infrastructure and estate takeovers."
Cllr. Lalor called for people, either from local
authority housing, private rented accommodation or
private home owners, to volunteer a small bit of
time in establishing residents' groups.
"The creation of such groups will only strengthen
their negotiations when dealing with both building
contractors and councils alike," he said.
"There is plenty of help available through various
organisations for either existing groups or for
people interested in starting such associations.
Through our new office here at the West End, we are
offering practical assistance by offering our
conference room free of charge to any such group,"
he added. |
