Over 150 people attended a meeting last night to highlight local opposition towards any plans for modular housing at Longford Greyhound track.
The site is one of three selected by Longford County Council for examination by the OPW to construct rapid build modular housing for refugees.
The track was purchased by the council at the beginning of 2022, with a proposed Skate Park and mini harbour earmarked for the land, with further calls for sporting infrastructure to be installed on the remainder of the property.
Meeting organiser Gerry Warnock believes that the emergency legislation that has been enacted to progress these rapid builds is undemocratic as it has locked local councillors out of the decision making process.
Speaking at the meeting in Longford Town last night, these people were concerned over the potential loss of future amenities at the greyhound track site:
'Well if the houses are going to be here that long, and nobody is opposing that we may need them , they have to fit with the town.
Can the town provide the amenities and the infrastructure for people living long term in the houses?.
Will the nature of those houses suit the site they're in?'
'It is a vital important amenity and there's so many young people coming up now, and we need facilities , we need to give them space, and place , and fresh air , to get out and enjoy themselves and live life to the full.'
