Mayor John Moran appoints designers for modular development in Limerick community park

MAYOR John Moran has signalled his intention to push ahead with modular homes in a southside park - despite huge public opposition.

The first citizen has appointed a team to design the homes planned for Boro Park in Janesboro.

It came just seven days after local residents railed against the proposal at a public meeting, in the mayor’s presence, at Our Lady Queen of Peace National School.

The mayoral order outlines spend of €16,575 (excluding VAT) on the appointment, made following the recommendation of a senior council official.

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Limerick City and County Council did not return a request for comment.

But local Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely has said her community will be present in the park “24-hours-a-day” to ensure not a single modular unit is built there.

“I think lines have been clearly drawn from my community. I felt everyone was very respectful. They went to the school in good faith, they took time out of their evenings,” she said, in relation to last month’s meeting.

“Mayor Moran described this as a listening exercise, and it’s very clear, he did not listen, and only days after, ploughed ahead with this, despite a commitment to have a further meeting. If right was right, he would have waited until the next meeting to progress anything, given the fact it was such a passionate meeting with very good points made,” she added.

The City East councillor, who lives in Janesboro, also questioned the money spent on the appointment.

“It’s not a good use of public money in a time where people are watching their money and we as a local authority are looking for efficiencies. To me, it screams total and utter waste of money,” she said.

For his part, Mayor Moran has previously pointed out the Boro Park is zoned for residential use, making it easier to develop without long delays.

He has suggested that any loss of green space can be compensated for by improved amenities elsewhere.

Residents say Boro Park is one of the few accessible green areas in their neighbourhood and is heavily used by families, children, and older people.

They argue that building on it would permanently remove a valued recreational space.