Sir, – Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council recently authorised the digging of 27 large trenches in Shanganagh Park, Shankill, Co Dublin, which ripped up large sections of an established wildflower meadow of local biodiversity importance and damaged a baseball pitch, cricket oval and walking trails in the process.
The reason? To conduct an archaeological survey of a site where natural and much-valued open green spaces in a public park will be replaced with yet more pitches for mainstream sport (Gaelic games and soccer), including 25m high floodlights, 15m high-ball stop netting, wire fences, etc, but no toilet or changing facilities, no additional parking, and increased traffic congestion, impacts which have been well documented in public consultations and a judicial review (“Plans for Shanganagh Park at centre of legal action now under review by council”, News, March 18th).
As is their right as part of the planning process, members of the local community (many of whom are involved in our local sports clubs) have requested that An Bord Pleanála make a determination as to whether the council’s plans first require an environmental impact assessment, especially given more sustainable and community-backed solutions are to be found by upgrading existing facilities and increasing playability to relieve pressure on clubs with growing numbers.
Despite the fact the board has yet to make its decision, the council weren’t for waiting, sent the diggers in, and the damage has been done.
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In seeking clarification, it appears the planning board has no powers of enforcement, leaving the council to do as they wish irrespective of what the board’s determination will be.
Is it any wonder we are facing the twin threats of a climate and biodiversity emergency when those supposed to be acting in our best interests are falling at the first hurdle? – Yours, etc,
JAIME McKEOWN,
Shankill,
Co Dublin.