Locals are expressing their fury over a controversial redevelopment of Kenilworth Square, South Dublin, labelling it as “stadium-like”. St Mary’s College in Rathmines lodged a proposal in July, seeking clarification under section five of the Planning and Development Act, whether certain parts of the project could be deemed exempt.
Following this, Dublin City Council concurred, stating that the artificial grass substitution on the current rugby field didn’t require planning permission. Additionally, the proposal for erecting a 1.2-metre fencing surrounding the all-weather pitch aimed to accommodate a single full-size playfield, also waived off the requirement of planning permission.
The campaign group Protect Kenilworth Square, who strongly objected to these plans, stated that the local community is “distraught” by the exemptions. Over 1,900 signatures have been collected on a petition against the wider project plan that includes components like establishing six 18-meter high floodlights, developing a car park and constructing a new pavilion for changing rooms.
Initial plans also showcased a viewing area, however that element has currently been withdrawn from a website outlining the project. Martin Joyce, a representative for Protect Kenilworth Square, has described Dublin City Council’s decision as “profoundly disheartening.”
He mentioned that due to the prohibitions in place by section five exemption inclusions, the only method of objection was through a costly and meticulous judicial review. Joyce pointed out that these allowances are intended for minor projects like garden sheds and rear extensions to expedite the decision-making process of local authority planners. Given its comprehensive overhaul, Joyce believed the current project should not be granted exemption from the requirement of planning permissions.
Mr Joyce asserted that the comprehensive plans portray a park evolving into a full-fledged rugby venue, compellingly located at the heart of one of Dublin’s few perfectly preserved Victorian squares, surrounded by 86 legally protected structures. Residents neighbouring the square have consistently disputed that this proposed refurbishment would commodify the square, disrupt the community substantially, and effect an “irreversible harm” to the environment, natural preservation, and heritage.
Although the school has chosen not to respond to the criticism from residents or the development thus far, a dedicated proposal website (currently undergoing maintenance) describes it as a “not-for-profit initiative.” The site explains that sports clubs utilising the field will financially contribute to its initiation and upkeep, while funding will be sourced through donors.
The school emphasises, “We are St Mary’s, an educational institution, not a commercial enterprise, thereby ensuring no financial burden on taxpayers”. It also assured no environmental harm via the website, quoting, “All measures are being taken to ensure protection of nature.” They added that the news of Kenilworth getting an all-weather facility has elicited a largely positive reaction, both locally and from children’s sports clubs.
Local residents have also mentioned that several trees slated for removal under these plans date back to the 1860s. However, the school contends none are from the 19th century but rather the 1950s; proposing the removal of eight trees, it plans to plant 74 new trees in their place. The website further delineates that the 18m-tall pitch lights will have zero overspill onto the path and will be shut off at an “appropriate hour”.
Meantime, a representative from the Dublin City Council stated that they are unable to comment as the decision is still in the appeals and judicial review phase.