Ballybane areas angry at being ‘unrecognised’
By Kernan Andrews
There is growing anger at City Hall among residents in the Beal Strutha and Fana Glas areas of Ballybane, accusing the local authority of neglecting their estates.
The areas have no nameplates and signage and have been ‘unrecognised’ for more than seven years. According to Fianna Fáil Cllr Mary Leahy, residents believe that City Hall “does not care”. She also said the problem is “widespread” and affects Coillte Mhuirlinne, Ard Alainn and Ard Na Coille.
“Residents feel disregarded and invisible,” she says. “It is reasonable to expect your estate to have a nameplate or a decorative stone at the entrance. It gives a sense of place, an identity, and helps to promote a sense of community and pride in one’s area.”
She also said the lack of signage could have serious health and safety consequences.
“This issue can have serious implications for emergency services and the inability of an ambulance driver or fire services to locate an estate in a timely manner can mean the difference between life and death,” she said.
Cllr Leahy has made “numerous and ongoing representations” in this regard and this week wrote to city manager Joe MacGrath. She is now “very hopeful” of a solution.