Petition started to stop proposed housing scheme at popular park
By Mary Dennehy
AN ONLINE petition has started against a proposal by South Dublin County Council to build an 81-unit older persons’ residential scheme on land situated between Sean Walsh Park and Tallaght Stadium – where the council depot currently lies.
The council’s proposals, which are currently at Part 8 consultation stage, include 18 two-bed homes and 63 one-beds, which will be housed across a range of two - four storey apartments.
An artist impression of the proposed scheme in Sean Walsh Park
If the development gets the green light, park staff will be relocated – with the council confirming to The Echo in June that the existing council depo will be removed to pave the way for development.
The urban farm and two small community gardens, which also lie on site, are expected to be levelled alongside the depot.
However, when contacted by The Echo the council did not reply to questions concerning the future of these community amenities, or confirm if they will be recreated elsewhere.
In an earlier interview with The Echo, a spokesperson for the council said that three housing schemes are planned for Tallaght, with the aim of providing suitable and supported accommodation for older residents looking to downsize – which would free up three-bed homes for families on the housing list.
The three sites chosen, which are being developed with Cluid Housing, were deemed suitable by the council due to their close proximity to public transport, shops, health facilities, including Tallaght University Hospital, and other community services.
Two of these housing schemes, planned for Fernwood and Maplewood in Springfield, were given the green light by councillors –with the third scheme at Sean Walsh Park open for submissions until November 9.
An online petition against the proposed housing scheme has been started by the Litter Mugs, a community group of volunteers who organise monthly clean-ups in Sean Walsh Park and were instrumental in the park recently been awarded a Green Flag by An Taisce.
Some of the reasons why people are being asked to Vote No to the proposed development is the loss of the depot, which will “severely erode” the ability to maintain the high standards within the park.
The petition also cites the loss of the urban farm, a 200-year-old bridge and two socially inclusive community gardens, which provide horticultural therapy for people with disabilities and those experiencing long-term unemployment.
Questions have also been raised about placing older peoples’ homes beside Tallaght Stadium, which regularly hosts matches and events.
Giant Knotweed is also present on site, with concerns raised over the risks posed if attempts are made to move this invasive weed.
Both gardens will be levelled
Current Tallaght Person of the Year, Sinead Tighe said: “Social inclusion is a particular focus for me during my term as Tallaght Person of the Year.
“As I approach the end of my term it is with extreme disappointment that I have just learned that both gardens will be levelled.
“Obviously housing must be a high priority for the council but I don’t understand why the development must be in the park where crucial social inclusion units exist.”
For further details and drawings on the council’s proposal or to make a submission by Friday, November 9 visit https://consult.sdublincoco.ie
Written submissions can be sent to Senior Executive Officer, Housing Department, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24, with plans on display in council offices.
To read the Save Our Green Flag Park petition visit my.uplift.ie or visit the Tallaght Litter Mugs Facebook page.
