Convent nursing home rumbles on
By Maurice Garvey
LAND ownership of the convent grounds in Clondalkin Village was raised with the local authority by councillors – but they did not get the answer they were looking for.
Plans by Bartra Property Ltd for a 155-bed nursing home on land at the convent grounds, were upheld in November by An Bord Pleanála, despite significant opposition from residents, community groups and local politicians.
The nursing home plans
The Save Clondalkin Convent Campaign group, have battled what they see, as the loss of a vital public site and playing pitches for local schools.
They are currently pursuing legal action, which is exploring how the Presentation Sisters came to be the sole owners of the land.
Cllr’s Francis Timmons and Eoin O’Broin sought clarification from South Dublin County Council, as to whether proof of ownership was provided by the Sisters during the planning process.
In response, the council said there is “no requirement in planning law for the submission of land deeds as part of the planning process.”
Under planning regulations, applicants who are not the legal owner of the land or structure in question must submit a letter of consent from the owner in a planning application.
People protesting in Clondalkin village last week
The council said the Bartra planning application was accompanied by a form which indicated that the applicant was not the owner or occupier of the land, but that the application was made with the consent of the owner of the lands, the Presentation Sisters.
“The required letter of consent from the Presentation Sisters accompanied the planning application,” the council said.
The council said the planning system is “not designed as a mechanism for resolving disputes” about land titles, as these are “ultimately matters for resolution in the courts.”
Check Save Clondalkin Convent Facebook page for updates.
TAGS news
