Residential homes scheme in Springfield under fire
By Aideen O’Flaherty
PLANS for two older persons’ residential schemes in Springfield, Tallaght, have been met with “disquiet” from local residents, according to a councillor, reports Aideen O’Flaherty.
South Dublin County Council’s plans, which are currently at the Part 8 public consultation stage, include the development of 53 residential units to be housed in two green spaces in Maplewood and Fernwood.
Drawing of the older housing scheme on Maplewood Road
It is proposed that 28 single-storey houses will be located in Fernwood, while 25 units, 15 of which are to be located in a three-storey, managed building with communal facilities, have been proposed for the Maplewood site.
Kathleen Ryan, a Springfield resident, told The Echo: “People are very angry – we feel like sardines in a tin.
“[Our concerns] have got nothing to with the people these houses are for, we just feel like all of our green space is being used.
“Everyone feels that there is too much overdevelopment in the area.
“There’s nothing more to take, and we have nothing more to give – and I think we’ve been quite fair [so far].”
Part of the plans for the Fernwood development includes the extinguishment of an existing public footpath to the side of 35 Fernwood Park and 37 Ashgrove.
A lot of disquiet
Labour councillor for Tallaght Central, Mick Duff, told The Echo: “There’s been a lot of disquiet about the proposal, and there’s a lot of concern in particular about a cul-de-sac in Ashgrove.
“The proposal includes a new road through Ashgrove from the Fernwood site, and for building on the well-preserved green at the Maplewood site.”
Cllr Duff added: “Councillors are ready to listen to residents’ concerns and submissions, and I’m hoping that we can come to accommodate both the Springfield residents and the need for step-down housing for older people.”
Submissions on the plans can be made online at https://consult.sdublincoco.ie or in writing to Senior Executive Officer, Housing Department, South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24 until Friday, August 31.
