Residents living around Kenilworth Square in the southern part of Dublin have vehemently criticised St Mary’s College in Rathmines for what they call a ‘blanket misuse’ of the planning system. The controversy revolves around an exemption application to the planning rules, put forward by the school. The application was submitted on July 29th, which seeks an official ruling under section five of the Planning and Development Act. The college wants clarity on whether some facets of the planned redevelopment can be granted exemption status.
This contentious redevelopment has been compared by a local inhabitant to the creation of a private Aviva Stadium. The components of the redevelopment under question are the substitution of natural grass on the present rugby pitch with synthetic grass, setting up of 1.2-meter high fencing, and a reshuffling of the two pitches to make room for a proper, full-size field.
The plans that have been proposed by the school also encompass the putting up of six floodlights each 18 meters in height, along with the building of a car park, a spectator stand and a new pavilion with dressing rooms.
The Rathgar square, which was initially a community space and eventually purchased by the school in 1947, has been used for sport-related activities ever since. The local occupants around the square argue that the intended redevelopment will convert it into a commercial zone, inflict considerable disturbances on the community and execute ‘permanent harm’ to biodiversity, conservation of nature and heritage.
The verdict on the section-five applications is typically handed out within four weeks. Hence, a ruling is expected from Dublin City Council before August 26th.
The educational institution has refrained from commenting on the proposed plans and the ensuing residents’ uproar. Nevertheless, in its exemption application, the school acknowledged it is ‘highly aware of the community interest from square residents regarding the proposed changes’.
Martin Joyce, a member on the committee of Protect Kenilworth Square, referred to the application as a ‘covert move’. He furthered by saying that any assertions of engagement with the residents are ‘misleading and untrue’.
The committee has voiced its apprehension over the lack of heed paid to their repeated requests for discussions with the school and its planners since the detection of the plans in April. They expressed their shock at the insensitive handling of stakeholders, parents, locals and residents, particularly coming from a religiously-run academic institution that champions community spirit and pledges to ‘serve the common good’.
They allege the application is structured to give the school a ‘forefront’ in advancing an overall strategy that demands full planning permission. They termed this as an ‘egregious exploitation of the section five process’. “Our strong opposition against this entirely unsuitable exemption plea has not wavered. Naturally, this application is only the initial move in a steady pursuit to secure everything as per the school’s overall blueprint”, stated Mr Joyce.
Locals have subsequently displayed posters in support of the Preserve Kenilworth Square movement, simultaneously encouraging pedestrians to sign a petition that has since garnered over 1,500 signatures. The committee reported the initiative has received backing from school alumni, community figureheads, preservationists, and environmentalists. To back their endeavors, they have also managed to raise in excess of €14,600 through a fundraising endeavor.
They communicated unanimously their refusal to approve St Mary’s College proposals and the secretive way in which they’re proceeding. Their campaign is championing sport in the natural environment rather than on an astro/plastic pitches, as mentioned in their statement. St Mary’s College has been reached out for their take on the exemption application.