3,000 signatures gathered to oppose nursing home plans
By Maurice Garvey
MEMBERS of the Save Clondalkin Convent campaign delivered over 3,000 signatures to the Presentation Sisters, as part of their efforts to oppose plans for a nursing home at the historic site in the village.
The signatures were gathered online and in hard-copy by members, who delivered the petitions to the Presentation Sisters at Blackpitts, Dublin, and to the Archdiocese of Dublin, Drumcondra, on Monday.
Save Clondalkin Convent campaigners
The group has been very active in recent months, organising a march last month, which saw over 400 residents taking to the streets in the village, to voice their opposition to proposals for a 155-bed nursing home on green space beside the 162-year-old convent.
Plans by Bartra Property Ltd for the nursing home were approved by South Dublin County Council, and an appeal is currently in place with An Board Pleanála, which is due to make a decision by October 21.
Members of the campaign group say they are frustrated with the lack of consultation by the Presentation Sisters, urging them to “talk to residents.”
They are also concerned with the aesthetics of the proposed new build, which they say, “contrasts negatively with the beautiful surroundings of the convent” and adjoining church.
