Councillors raise concerns over Scientology playground
By Aideen O'Flaherty
COUNCILLORS unanimously objected to plans for the development of a playground on the grounds of the Church of Scientology in Firhouse at this month’s Rathfarnham and Templeogue/Terenure Area Committee meeting.
Last month the Church of Scientology lodged an application for planning permission with South Dublin County Council for the development of a playground, alongside plans for the construction of a new internal lobby area to the rear of the existing building and the erection of a timber-clad fence around a proposed bins and garden equipment store.
The Church of Scientology on the Firhouse Road
There are plans for two CCTV camera poles with a height of 4.5 metres, and there are provisions for associated landscaping works including supplementary tree planting, a new hedgerow to the existing site boundary, a new footpath and a zebra crossing leading to the centre, and sundry seating areas.
The plans were discussed at this month’s Rathfarnham and Templeogue/Terenure Area Committee meeting, where concerns were raised by councillors relating to a change of use for the site, and data protection concerns regarding the installation of CCTV.
Rathfarnham Sinn Fein councillor Sarah Holland said: “There is a creeping suspicion that plans to install a playground are to entice [local people] into the centre, where people would be encouraged to join their group.
“Concerns have been raised worldwide about Scientologists.
“I feel people are free to worship as they choose, but I don’t feel comfortable about children and young people being encouraged to hang around Scientologists.
“Valid concerns were raised by all councillors and I hope planners take these into account.”
Community Centre
The Church of Scientology’s director of public affairs, Diana Stahl, told The Echo: “Local elected representatives made it very clear to us in the initial meetings we held right after opening, that it was very important to them that this facility continued to be kept open to the public as a Community Centre, as it used to be, which we have been happy to do.
“We often ask our visitors what else they would like to see developed in the Community Centre.
“Repeated requests have been voiced by locals, to develop a playground for their use – hence the design, planning and application for a playground to the local planning authority was developed and submitted.
“All local councillors and TDs who wish to know about our activities, events and plans are welcome to visit us any time, talk to us or to their constituents who are using the facilities of the Scientology Community Centre.”
A decision on the application for planning permission is due from the council by March 12.
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