A large group of residents from Carpenterstown Road, College Gate and Woodberry attended a meeting in Kavanagh’s Pub, Laurel Lodge organised by Joan Burton TD to discuss the proposed replacement of 2 houses in the area by a 147 unit development, consisting of mainly 3 bedroom houses and 4 storey apartment blocks.

Deputy Burton said the size of the attendance indicated the strength of feeling in the neighbourhood about the proposal. She outlined to the residents what steps they could take to register their feelings to Fingal Planners and later if necessary to An Bord Pleanála.

Residents expressed particular anxiety about the inclusion of a 4 storey block, fronting onto the Carpenterstown Road. If this was approved this would create a precedent that would change the character of the area in a fundamental way and lead to the destruction of the trees on the road. The 11 acre site is home to many trees and there appears to be no proper environmental impact study attached to the plan.

There are some recent decisions form An Bord Pleanála in connection with some plans submitted on the southside, that refused permission for similar projects.

Deputy Burton arranged to join a group of residents on a tour of the site later this week and agreed to make her own detailed submission to the Fingal County Council planners on the proposal