Sir, - It appears from reports that Green Properties have been appointed to develop the new business and technology park proposed for Ballymun.
This has come as a great surprise and shock to many people, in particular the residents of Ballymun. Ballymun Regeneration Limited (BRL) are required by their company articles to consult and agree with the residents of Ballymun. Indeed they have apparently won awards for their consultation process. Yet surprisingly BRL has published none of their famous newsletters regarding the appointment of Green Properties. And worse, they did not consult with us about the development of the proposed Business and Technology Park.
We do want the park. Indeed it is the corner-stone of the redevelopment that has a total value of about £1 billion. However the "park" will be spread over more than 100 acres along the M50, effectively eradicating all the football pitches and the green spaces used by Ballymun residents. Only a small proportion of these will be replaced. Whether these recreational areas will be local depends on BRL producing detailed plans for the whole area. This it has failed to do since submitting individual plans smaller than two hectares conveniently avoids European directives on environmental appraisals (as opposed to environmental statements). There has been no consultation with the Ballymun residents about these issues.
Furthermore, Green Properties was reported as not having the required 20 acres to replace the playing fields as required by the BRL itself. Could BRL or somebody explain why a company that fails to meet key criteria is given a contract while other bidders who meet the exact criteria were refused the contact? - Yours, etc.,
Peter Lydon, Ballymun, Dublin 11.