Work stops on fence at Knather, Ballyshannon as both parties agree to emergency meeting tonight
A delegation from a Ballyshannon residents group has agreed to meet representatives of the ESB at a hastily convened special meeting tonight to attempt to resolve issues they have with new fencing being erected on behalf of the ESB at an amenity area in the Knather area.
25 locals residents from the Knather outside Ballyshannon gathered at an area known as Laputa this morning to object to the ongoing fencing operation which they feel is obtrusive, aesthetically unacceptable and which will see a much used local water amenity made less accessible to walkers and water users.
Three members of Ballyshannon town council joined the protesters at Laputa - Cllrs Eugene Dolan, himself a local resident of the area, Cllr Val Murray and Cllr Phonsie travers, who is chairman of Ballyshannon town council all
After some discussion on the side of the road it was agreed with a representative of the ESB that a group from the residents association, known as KASRA, would meet ESB representatives at 7pm this evening to see if the issues rasied can be resolved. It was also agreed that fencing work would stop in the interim until the meeting is held.
Residents have since been meeting to agree their agenda for tonight’s meeting and among their concerns is access, parking and the height and look of the fence when completed.
Dorothy Mawn, secretary of KASRA, told Demcorat online: “People are upset about this. They are upset about what they see as a lack of consultation and they want what is best for this area which is a tourist attraction and is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike for walking and leisure pursuits. We were pleased that so many people turned out to support us and voice their opposition at such short notice. Let’s hope tonight’s meeting can see this resolved to our satisfaction.”
Tonight’s meeting will take place at the offices of Ballyshannon Town Council.
In a statement the ESB say details of the fencing were discussed with the local angling club.
In their statement the ESB added: ESB commenced works this morning on replacement fencing on its own land at Laputa, Knather Road, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. Works have been temporarily suspended and ESB representatives are meeting local residents this evening.
“The details of this fencing had been discussed, in advance, with the local angling club and details will be presented at this meeting tonight. ESB will continue to allow pedestrian access and is committed to making keys available to those who have purchased boating permits.”
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Weather for Donegal
Thursday 23 May 2013
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