Tuning Fork no more as construction continues at landmark site
By Aura McMenamin
Anyone who remembers the iconic Tuning Fork pub in Rathfarnham will be sad to see that the old landmark building is no more.
Construction is ongoing at the site at the junction of Willbrook Road and Whitechurch Road, with planning permission for a funeral home granted in 2016.
@RathfarnhamV @glendoherpark @LovinDublin #tuningfork sad to say goodbye to this old Rathfarnham landmark pic.twitter.com/XBqSL6PPea
— susan donnelly healy (@susandhealy) June 20, 2017
The application was for the demolition of the existing building, and to develop a new two-storey building which will be used as the funeral home with seven car parking spaces.
Although originally refused permission by South Dublin City Council, permission was granted after appeal to An Bord Pleanala.
Where will I tell the taximan to turn without the Tuning Fork? @RathfarnhamV @OldDublinTown pic.twitter.com/LJG7nMckj6
— Daire Keogh (@DaireKeogh) June 20, 2017
A number of submissions were made on the application and raised concerns about the size and capacity of the proposed development, and the impact that it would have on local traffic on the Ballyboden Road, which is already at high capacity.
The initial application was originally rejected by SDCC because they said there was insufficient car parking due to the size of the building, a lack of public parking nearby and the capacity of events on the premises.
The growth of Japanese Knotwood in the area were also given as a reason for refusal.