GAA has not yet completed registration of Rathcoole lands

UP TO 26 acres of land in Rathcoole was disposed of by the council to the GAA 26 years ago, but the sporting association have yet to register the lands.

The land is located beside Rathcoole Park and is a natural treasure trove of bio-diversity and wetland, according to the Four Districts Woodland Group (FDWG).

Meanwhile, South Dublin County Council are to reveal a revised Master Plan for Rathcoole in early 2023, which includes a revised housing proposal, set to be located adjacent and running along the eastern edge of Rathcoole Woodlands.

FDWG members assume all other components of the previous plan – school, library, sports facilities etc – will also be outlined.

Their understanding is that the GAA lands would host three pitches and a pavilion.

They worry that the “unique” untouched woodlands is vulnerable and at the mercy of the council.

Local knowledge is that there are three owners of various parts of the lands – South Dublin County Council, the GAA and the Department of Education.

“It’s all one piece – connected – what you do to one could affect the other,” said Deirdre Tierney, Chairperson of FDWG.

Tierney lists off a colourful list of sections in the woodland including three annex habitats, mosaics, springs, but contends it’s most valuable feature is that it is not tainted by human intervention.

“It is very unique land – left wild in an urban area, at the edge of the village and continues to the park.

“It is an absolute opportunity for a flagship environmental model, and fits in with climate change goals,” said Ms Tierney.

On behalf of the FDWG, Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF) asked the council about ownership of the lands, at the recent area meeting.

In response, the council said at a council meeting on February 12,1996, they “agreed to dispose of 26 acres to the GAA”.

Furthermore, a variation to the terms of the disposal was approved by the council at a further meeting on February 8, 2010.

“The GAA have not completed the registration of the lands in their ownership hence the confusion on the LDA (Land Development Agency) map which reflects the current registration but does not take account of the disposal,” said a council spokesperson.

Cllr Gilligan said the questions on the matter are merely a case of residents “trying to keep on top of things”.

“Once a tree is removed, it is not coming back,” he said.

Ms Tierney said previous submissions by residents to the County Development Plan, stated they wanted the whole area left as a “high amenity area”.

“That means leave it alone, let it rewild,” she said.

Access roads for any housing or building works, are a concern for the group, who know this will impact local bio-diversity.

Of further concern is that Rathcoole Woodlands is not considered a Special Area of Conservation.

FDWG have written to the National Parks and Wildlife, asking for the woodlands to be designated so, but have yet to receive a reply.