TWO-time Olympic gold medalist Kellie Harrington has come out fighting in support of Janesboro residents who this week saved their park in a head-to-head bout with Mayor John Moran.
Following Monday evening’s special meeting, where the Boro Park was safeguarded in real KO fashion, Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely received a message of congratulations from Harrington on social media.
“Well done to all involved. We are trying to save our open space, so know the hard work it takes, and we are still fighting. Massive well done,” the Irish boxer wrote.
Unanimous support was also shown this week, across the political divide of Limerick Council, to save Boro Park.
Mayor John Moran’s controversial SMART modular housing plans, which had previously been described as “unsuitable dog boxes” by Cllr Kiely, met with resounding opposition in County Hall on Monday. In the strongest display of unity in the Dooradoyle chamber since the local election of June 2024, councillors made it clear that the proposed 500 modular home development for Boro Park was “unsuitable”.
During a marathon three-hour meeting, Janesboro residents packed into the public gallery in a last ditch effort to save their community’s amenity. And in a landmark move, Limerick councillors invoked a Section 139 for the first time to retain the public park, which provides residents a space for walking, cycling, socialising, and rehabilitation.
Prior to Monday’s special meeting, Mayor John Moran declared a housing emergency ahead of the Boro Park vote. As councillors prepared to debate proposals, the Mayor set out the scale of the challenge facing Limerick, highlighting a sustained shortfall in housing delivery over recent years.
“Limerick is in a housing emergency. This is not a political slogan — it is a fact,” Mayor Moran said.
Invoking Section 139 this week, effectively blocking Mayor Moran’s plans, Fine Gael councillor and Janesboro resident Sarah Kiely deemed the action a “last resort” to save the park.
“The fact this meeting is taking place means that the Section 139 is legally allowed. There’s 600 houses in Janesboro alone and that’s without mentioning Rathbane, Kennedy Park, Glasgow Park, and Roxboro Road. People come from all over the area to use the park and Section 139 is a tool to enable councillors, as we’ve been backed into a corner.
“A community should not have to choose between a park and housing. We’re delivering housing, and as a community, we encourage housing. We want housing in our area. SMART housing is not the answer for this site, it might be for other sites,” Cllr Kiely commented.
Fianna Fáil councillor Catherine Slattery formally seconded the motion, saying she was against modular homes in the Boro Park as it was a much-needed public amenity in the locality.
“People in the area and surrounding area use this park for exercise and recreational use. The elderly people of the area love to use it to get out of the house and meet people,” Cllr Slattery said.
“Mayor, you often refer to the resolve and resilience of the Limerick people, describing the community as an unbeatable force when united in purpose. Well, that is what the people of Janesboro and surrounding areas are. They do not want modular homes in their community.”
Supporting Cllrs Kiely and Slattery, Cllr Bridie Collins (FF) cited the urgent need for housing in Limerick, but took the view that they must also protect open spaces and green areas.
Cllr Dan McSweeney (FG) felt that it was a very sad day for local government and Limerick that they had to resort to such measures to get Mayor Moran to listen to the local community.
“But it is also a good day, because this chamber will exercise their democratic right in relation to the Section 139 notice,” he opined.
Independent councillor Frankie Daly said he hadn’t had one call in support of the Mayor’s SMART housing proposals, while many people reached out to him to advocate for retaining Boro Park.
“I appeal to the Mayor, start being openminded or your mayoralty is going to be a disaster. You are losing the run of yourself and you’re not bringing people with you. When it comes to the crunch, you are not prepared to listen,” Cllr Daly warned.
However, Aontú councillor Sarah Beasley said she considered the Section 139 a “dangerous weapon” in a housing crisis.
“We cannot set a precedent that lets politicians block desperately needed homes on a whim. I support modular housing, and I hope we never abuse this power again,” she declared.
Cllr John O’Donoghue (IND),said he was not impressed with the size of some of the proposed modular units in the Mayor’s plans.
“32 square metres, it’s a bare extension to a house outside in the countryside. I’d tell you something for nothing, I’d fall out with myself in the middle of it,” Cllr O’Donoghue confessed.
Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan wanted to know why the Boro Park seemed to be the only option for SMART housing.
“The community have made their views very clear. They are saying look at other sites and I’m happy to say that as well,” she commented.
A vote was ultimately taken on the Section 139 notice with 39 of the 40 councillors voting in favour of not proceeding further with plans for the Boro Park. Cllr Jerome Scanlan (IND) was not available to cast his vote on the day.