The Green Party has given its support to a campaign to save the green space at Newtownsmith and has asked the Council not to proceed with a scheme for car parking which will encroach on this space.

The Council plans to narrow the green to provide 15 additional parking spaces.

Green Party TD for Dún Laoghaire Ciarán Cuffe stated:

"I'm firmly against any attempts to reduce the size of the green space in Sandycove for additional car parking spaces.

"Newtownsmith Green is a fantastic resource for the local community and visitors alike. Every year, thousands of people come to this spot to enjoy events in the Festival of World Cultures.

"Unfortunately, the Council intends encroaching our green spaces along our coastline which are a public amenity to be protected, not covered over for car parks. I've written to the County Manager, urging him to rethink these plans.

"I hope that the Council will work with local residents who need the additional parking spaces to find a better solution that works for the entire community.

"The UK 'Manual for Streets' allows for a 5.5 metre carriageways on low speed roads. There are significant sections on Newtownsmith where it might be possible to reduce the width of the road and also provide a limited number of parking bays and still provide a 2 metre footpath on both sides. This would not reduce the amount of green space and may be an appropriate solution, if parking has to be provided."