To: Director of Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development South Dublin County Council
 

Reference: Objection to the Proposed Removal of Sean Keating Garden for it to be Replaced with a Car Park

To Whom it Concerns;

With regard to the proposed redevelopment of Rathfarnham Castle’s Stables and Courtyard I welcome this.

However, concerning the removal of the Sean Keating Garden to accommodate a 54 space car park, I wish to formally submit my objection to this. 

The Sean Keating Garden is a unique safe space for people to visit to relax, exercise, meet people, admire the scenery and much more.  It is tranquil and easy for all ages to get to and enjoy.  Young and not so young people including those in buggies and with mobility aids all get to use this very popular space.  It took many years to develop it and a huge financial cost.  It should be kept as is.  There is no logical explanation to destroy it now and spend a fortune doing so.  Lets also not forget the Seán Keating Garden commemorates one of Ireland’s most important artists.  

Rathfarnham Castle Residents Association (RCRA), with the support of virtually 100% of people in their plus other local Residents Associations have submitted an excellent detailed alternative plan which is more than reasonable in finding a solution/alternative using Courtyard 4 as a carpark which even relinquishes a small part of the Sean Keating Garden to provide some extra car spaces. This is an extremely fair compromise, which importantly meets all of our needs and retains the garden as is.  A lot of time and effort has been put into this submission by people who live in the vicinity, by people who care about the precious Castle and its grounds and people who do actually know what works and what doesn’t work.  They are “on the ground” and extremely familiar with the site.  They wish to “work with” not “against” SDCC.  They are also mindful of public spending and hope funds are spent wisely.

It’s not only local residents who have concerns and do not want the Sean Keating Garden to be replaced.  A very organised and informative presentation by the RCRA last week in the Ruah Centre in Ballyroan Parish Pastrol Centre was extremely well received.  Many local councillors spoke and showed their full support to the packed centre where David McManus, John Lahart, Paddy Cosgrove, Yvonne Collins and Lynn McCrave all spoke and confirmed they do NOT want the Sean Keating Garden removed.  I also spoke with TD’s Ciaran Ahern and Justin Sinnott who also fully agree the proposal of replacing the Sean Keating Garden with car parking spaces should NOT go ahead.  A lot of us have lived decades and a lot more have lived in the locality all of our lives.  Surely we can’t all be wrong??

Please be guided by us in this decision and do not destroy the Sean Keating Garden.  We urge you to take all of our concerns and requests on board.  It’s the right thing to do, the only thing to do, and everyone in the community and beyond will be very grateful.

Thank you.