Sod turned. Residents spurned.

Official NOtice Of Ship Name chaNge

I Cpt. F. Allen, of Dundalk Shipping Company (DSC) Limited, hereby give notice that I have applied to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport under Section 67 of the Mercantile Marine Act 1955 in respect of my ship ‘Huelin Dispatch, Official Number 404769, of Registered Tonnage 1460 Tons’ [Net], for permission to change her name to ‘Aggatha’, to be registered in the said new name at the Port of Dundalk. Any representations or comments on the application should be sent to the Superintendent, Mercantile Marine Office, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2, within seven days of the appearance of this notice. Signed: Captain Frank Allen.

From Page 1

The project is set to open up the wider Mount Avenue residential zoned lands for new housing, and initially will facilitate the development of 194 private units by Urban Life and 93 social housing units to be provided by Louth County Council in conjunction with the Department of Housing.

The completion of the scheme will see a total of 234 units delivered by 2025, 51 of which are cost reduced by agreement, with 93 social houses projected for 2024.

The total estimated cost of the roads scheme is €11,100,000 of which the land cost is €2,185,000 and €700,000 attributable to Irish Water.

In a statement released on Monday the Lis Na Dara Residents Association stated it was unacceptable that the local authority was willing to do a photoshoot with the Housing Minister but were not willing to meet residents who wish to express road safety concerns.

“We are writing to you as concerned residents of Lis Na Dara estate in Dundalk. We are appalled by the lack of communication and engagement from Louth County Council regarding the ongoing major road infrastructure project in

Mount Avenue area.

“It is unacceptable that the local authority is willing to do a photoshoot with Minister Darragh O’Brien at a sod turning event for the project this week but are not willing to meet residents who wish to express road safety concerns. We feel that our voices are being ignored and our concerns dismissed.

“Lis Na Dara is a private enclosed housing estate, which was never taken in charge, with many young families, vulnerable road users and elderly people living here. We are worried that this project will change the character, quality and in particular safety of our neighbourhood.

“Louth County council continue to ignore this community and ongoing requests for engagement from local representatives, but they never seem to ignore the chance for a good photo opportunity.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely, Lis na Dara Residents Association.” read the statement.

The Dundalk Leader asked Louth County Council to respond to the accusations from Lis Na Dara Residents Committee and the local authority sent the following statement.

“Louth County Council are open to and are continu- ing to engage with all of the relevant stakeholders in the Mount Avenue link road scheme. This will include a monthly progress report to be given to local residents along with updates on proposed traffic management amendments as they occur. A point of contact will also be available to stakeholders as the project progresses.”

Meanwhile, back at the sod turning ceremony the Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien expressed his delight and pride on what he called ‘an important piece of infrastructure for Dundalk’.

“I’m delighted to turn the sod on this important piece of infrastructure for Dundalk, and I’m proud that the Government’s Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) has helped the project to happen. LIHAF is about relieving infrastructure blockages and unlocking the potential for large scale housing projects – supporting Housing for All as it ramps up the supply of new homes across the country.

Mount Avenue Road is a perfect example of this fund in action. The money we are investing here through LIHAF will support the initial development of over 200 homes – social, affordable and private – with the potential for more than 1,000 more on the wider lands.”

Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin added that she was delighted that the works at Mount Avenue are commencing. “The cost of the works and land acquisition will be provided by Louth County Council and the Department of Housing under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF). The works will open up lands for much needed housing development and will improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.”

Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Councillor Conor Keelan said “On behalf of Louth County Council, we are delighted to welcome Minister O’Brien here today to turn the sod on what has been a strategic objective of Louth County Council for many years. This significant investment will breathe new life into a part of Dundalk that will in the coming years become home to many new families.”

The work is being carried out on behalf of Louth County Council by Contractors Gibson Ireland JV.

John Gibson, Gibsons Brothers Ireland JV, said:

“We are delighted to be working in conjunction with Louth County Council to deliver this new and upgraded link road at Mount Avenue, Dundalk. We are looking forward to being part of the team for this prestigious and important project and wish to thank the local residents in advance for their cooperation and understanding during the construction period.”

During his visit to Dundalk, Minister Darragh O’Brien also visited Patrick Tierney Crescent and Aisling Crescent to unveil a commemorative plaque.

The 22 new A-Rated energy efficient residential homes in Patrick Tierney Crescent and Aisling Crescent were delivered by Louth County Council – Housing Capital section - under the Government’s ‘Housing For All’ Plan. The scheme, which consists of eight houses and 14 apartments, has been shortlisted as a ‘Project of the Year’ finalist in the Residential - Social and Affordable Housing (up to €5million) category. Minister O’Brien’s final engagement included a visit to Dúiche Roden, the Cluid Housing Development adjacent to Ice House Hill. The scheme is being built in three phases, and when completed will provide secure, highquality homes for 133 families on Louth County Council’s housing list.