Residents vow to fight to save village convent
By Maurice Garvey
ORGANISERS have vowed to continue their fight to save the Presentation Convent site in Clondalkin village, following a decision by An Bord Pleanála (ABP) to uphold plans for a nursing home on the grounds.
The Save Clondalkin Convent campaign has decided to host a candlelight vigil in the church grounds on December 7 at 7.15 pm.
Residents protesting against the plans last September
Plans by Bartra Property Ltd for a 155-bed nursing home at the historic convent site in Clondalkin Village were granted permission in May by South Dublin County Council.
The plans sparked a robust response in the community with over 80 submissions, mostly objections, lodged with the council.
Residents submitted a joint appeal to ABP, citing their belief it would lead to “overdevelopment of the site” and “negatively impact” the character of the area, protected structures, local wildlife species and school amenities.
In making their decision to grant permission for the development, ABP said that subject to compliance with conditions, the proposal “would not detract from the integrity of the Protected Structure site”, and “would not seriously injure amenities of adjoining property.”
The Board also said it would “not give rise to traffic hazard”, and would be in accordance with proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Organisers of the convent campaign encourage residents to attend the candlelight vigil, and bring friends and family.
“There will be more info soon on where our campaign will take us next, the fight to save Clondalkin convent will continue,” a spokesperson said.
