‘Threatening’ email targets city councillors

Cork city councillors received what has been described as a “threatening" email ahead of their meeting on Monday.

The correspondence was linked to their vote on the proposed residential development at Lehenaghmore.

“It was an email that was somewhat threatening — it did state at the end that any of us who might vote for it could be involved in a criminal act, which is nonsense, of course,” said Fianna Fáil Cllr Terry Shannon.

According to Brian Geaney, Deputy Chief Executive of Cork City Council, the email followed the leaking of reports to a member of the public. He described it as a breach of council protocol that will be investigated.

He explained: “The Part 8 report and the Social Infrastructure Audit report — was leaked to a member of the public. It’s a very serious breach of the council’s protocols in this regard, and that’s something we need to investigate further. This report was made available to a member of the public before it arrived at City Hall tonight. So, someone in this chamber gave this report to a member of the public, which is not allowed. I feel that matter will need to be investigated further.”

Independent Cllr Albert Deasy was less concerned about the nature of the email and more focused on the accuracy of the leaked report.

“Since this report was issued, I think most, if not all, members have received correspondence from a third party, pointing out and questioning the accuracy and reliability of the report, and making some very serious observations that the information in the report is flawed.”

He called for “the matter to be referred back to council for investigation before it is brought before council for approval”.

Brian Geaney addressed the five issues raised in the email, “sent to councillors in a very threatening way”. These covered public transport, schools, childcare, recreation, and retail and convenience.

The proposed Lehenaghmore development includes 155 homes, offering a mix of housing types to meet different needs — including 4 four-bed houses, 64 three-bed houses, 39 two-bed houses, 6 two-bed duplexes, 2 three-bed duplexes, 14 one-bed apartments, and 26 two-bed apartments. Plans also include a crèche for up to 42 children and provision of 207 car parking spaces.

“I don’t think any of us need a report to understand the infrastructural deficits that exist in Lehenaghmore,” said Sinn Féin Cllr Joe Lynch.

“I appreciate the explanation provided by the Deputy Chief Executive, but it’s sloppy work. The same pub, now closed, features twice under different names. Childcare facilities are also listed incorrectly. I think there are lessons to be learned for the future in terms of how that information is presented.”

He added he will vote for the proposal despite his concerns, “because of the people who are desperate to get out of emergency accommodation, who live in overcrowded housing, and who often live with three generations under one roof”.

Speaking to the Cork Independent, Labour Cllr Ciara O’Connor said: “I will not tolerate any threatening or abusive communications directed toward me or any of my colleagues. Intimidation has absolutely no place in our democratic process.”

She continued: “We are in the midst of a housing crisis. I will not vote against housing developments that provide much-needed homes for Cork families. The Lehenaghmore area transferred into Cork city from the county as part of the boundary extension.

“It is clear that the area had been neglected in terms of infrastructure and amenities for many years. Now that it falls under the city’s remit, I firmly believe Cork City Council must support the neighbourhood. I will ensure that Lehenaghmore remains firmly on the agenda.”

Cllr O’Connor also submitted a motion “to ensure that childcare facilities proposed in Part 8 housing developments are actually delivered and operational before residents move in”.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Seán Martin added: “The fact is that we had these infrastructure deficits coming from the county — all of them. Every single one of them has the common deal. On Lehenaghmore, we are investing €17 million in infrastructure deficits. What was there was not good enough. Going forward, we need to take a broader view of planning.”

The project received Part 8 planning approval four years ago, but a compulsory purchase order (CPO) process involving over 80 plots and 25 landowners delayed progress. The CPOs were only confirmed last year.

According to Cork City Council Chief Executive Valerie O'Sullivan, “the proposed scheme in Lehenaghmore will provide much-needed homes and will help contribute to dealing with the pent-up demand for housing in Cork city. 88 of the proposed homes will be made available for sale under an Affordable Housing Scheme. The remainder of the homes will be provided for social housing.”

The vote resulted in 27 councillors supporting the Lehenaghmore proposal, with one voting against.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.