How will St Colmcille’s Well be preserved in face of development?
By Mary Dennehy
AS PLANNING permission is lodged for a primary and secondary school campus surrounding St Colmcille’s Well on Ballycullen Road, we take a look at the history of the protected structure – and ask, how will it be preserved in the face of development?
A planning application seeking permission for a new residential scheme of 65 units on Stocking Avenue (site A) and outline permission for a primary and post-primary school campus on Ballycullen Road (site B) has been lodged with South Dublin County Council.
A short walk will take you to St Colmcille's Well
As reported in The Echo, the Department of Education has acquired site B, subject to planning permission, for the new Firhouse Educate Together Secondary School - with provision for a primary school on site in long-term plans.
According to the planning application lodged by Jones Investment Limited, outline permission is being sought on site B for a two-storey, 16 classroom primary school and a two-storey, 37 classroom post-primary school and playing pitch.
Permission is also sought on the site, which lies to the back of new estate Abbott’s Grove, for 114 car parking spaces, 660 bicycle parking stands, areas of hard and soft landscaping and an extension to the footpath along Ballycullen Road.
Two protected structures, St Colmcille’s Well and its Stone Cross, are referenced in the planning report as being located on site B.
According to the report, the protected structures will not be subjected to any works, with a landscaped area surrounding the well proposed.
The well is nestled in a wooded area only a short walk off the Ballycullen Road, near Orlagh College, and is reached by a bridge that runs over a stream.
St Colmcille’s Well
It is believed that St Colmcille stopped off at the well on one of his journeys around Ireland, with the surrounding parish in Knocklyon, St Colmcille’s, subsequently named after him.
Many people who grew up in Tallaght will remember regular visits to the well for mass and to drink its water, from an old metal cup which is now gone.
In the early 1900s, a stone gable with a statue of St Colmcille was erected over the holy well, which is located beside a stone cross.
Tradition
According to South Dublin Libraries, St Colmcille’s is part of the Holy Well tradition in Tallaght, and was one of the most frequented.
Other wells in the area include St Kevin’s Well in Kilnamanagh, St Anne’s Well in Glenasmole, St Patrick’s Well in Boherboy and in Tallaght Village, there was a well at the old Glebe House, which is close to the Priory.
The Echo contacted South Dublin County Council and asked about the current and future upkeep of the well, which at times is subjected to littering.
In its reply, the council said: “The Well and Cross/statue is a protected structure (RPS Ref. 362) and recorded monument (DU022-028) due to its historical and social importance as a holy well and religious place of ritual.
“The pathway and site are well maintained.
“The site is not at present on our architectural conservation projects programme.”
The council added: “As part of the planning process any proposals regarding the site will be considered and addressed accordingly to ensure there is no negative impact to the protected structure.”
The Echo visited the site this week and it was well maintained and clear of any rubbish.
