Munster Express Online

Dear Editor

It was with some incredulity and concern that I read the article in your March 29th edition about the rejection of a planning application in relation to the Cove Restaurant in Tramore by members of the Metropolitan District Council.
I note that 10 members were in favour, four were against, two abstained and two others were not at the meeting.
I also note that none of the eight Councillors (including those absent) who did not vote in support of the proposal are resident in the Tramore area, which is significant in itself, as it’s not unreasonable to assume that they are probably unaware of some, as I would see it, relevant facts. There were some issues raised regarding parking, noise and smells from the proposed restaurant,. which I’d like to address.
Firstly, to parking. Within a 500 to 600-metre radius from this building are upwards of 800 houses in Cliff Road, Newtown, Cove Park, Highfield, Tramore Heights, Roselawn, Pine Grove and Love Lane.
This is a huge core customer base for the new venture and I ask what relevance does parking or lack of same have for these residents who are less than 15 minutes walk from the proposed restaurant?
Additionally most of the houses closer to the building have off-street parking and so there is ample room for some parking on these roads.
There are four restaurants on Main Street and Queen Street and while parking is allowed down one side of each street, there are rarely any parking spaces available, yet these restaurants thrive. Regarding noise and smells, I would make this comparison. Between Main Street and Queen Street, a distance of approximately 400 linear metres, there are nine restaurants and/or takeaways. I have never been aware of complaints from the residents of the inner town in connection with noise or smells from these premises, most of which have been in operation for years.
In conclusion, I find it puzzling and alarming that those who are, essentially, City Councillors, can veto the establishment of a new business venture in Tramore, which would have given direct employment to seven to ten people, with spin-off benefits for suppliers to the business. I believe that the decision they reached needs to be reversed.

Yours Sincerely,
Tony Walsh,
9 Summerhill Rise,
Tramore.