Concerns over playground plans at Scientology Centre
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A LOCAL councillor is concerned that the Church of Scientology Centre on the Firhouse Road may be trying to “entice” children and young people into the organisation, following the erection of a planning notice at the centre which contains plans for the placement of playground equipment with a perimeter fence and hedging.
The application for planning permission, which was lodged by Julie Lind this month, also includes 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.
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.
Speaking about the organisation’s new application for planning permission, Fine Gael councillor Brian Lawlor told The Echo: “To me that’s a change of use, the original planning was for the site to be used as a place of worship.
“I’m concerned that [the organisation] will try to get kids and young people in.
“If people want to go to the church they should go on their own merits, they shouldn’t be trying to entice people.
“I’m concerned about the whole place, and the fact that they didn’t charge for things like the Winter Wonderland.
“I don’t agree with their planning application, and I’ll be opposing it in the council chamber.”
South Dublin County Council has yet to make a decision on the organisation’s current application for planning permission.
This application follows South Dublin County Council’s refusal to grant permission for six lighting poles at the sports pitch that adjoins the centre last October, which was the subject of a separate application.
Julie Lind then lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala last November against the council’s decision.
A decision on the appeal is due from ABP by February 22.
The Church of Scientology’s director of public affairs, Diana Stahl, told The Echo: “Since its opening in October 2017 the Church of Scientology and Community Centre of Dublin has welcomed more than 4,500 visitors, many of which were families with kids.
“We asked the visitors what other activities they would like to see happening and the most common answer was that a playground would be very welcome as there aren’t enough in this area. This is why one is planned to be constructed.
“The playground will be for the use of anyone who wishes to use it, just as the community events and cafe at the centre are open to anyone.
“The Church does not discriminate on the grounds of religious belonging, membership or on any other grounds, it seeks to service the community and to help improve conditions.”
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