A NUMBER of Blackrock residents who have been blocking construction work on the proposed Monkstown ring road in Dublin have received solicitors’ warnings that they may be liable for the costs of the protest.
Residents of Rowanbryn and Brookville Park estates are protesting against the inclusion of twin bus lanes along a 200 metre stretch of the route and have twice this week halted construction of the road.
Yesterday, hours after an on- te meeting with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown county manager Owen Keegan, at which it was observed that a council staff member was photographing participants, some residents received warning letters from construction firm Siac.
According to Graham Byrne, one of those who received a letter, the residents were told their action could result in cost overruns, and mention was made of court injunctions and recovery of costs. Mr Byrne told The Irish Times he would be seeking his own advice.
Following the residents’ meeting with the county manager on Thursday, Mr Keegan confirmed his offer to discuss planting, the erection of walls and other design features.
However the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown county manager maintains it is not within the scope of the project to drop the bus lanes, as these were conditions imposed by Bord Pleanála at the planning permission stage. Mr Byrne said changes to the project could be made via a new application to An Bord Pleanála, commenting; “There only needs to be a will to do this.”
