SDCC must listen to residents and reverse its plans to destroy the Seán Keating Garden
SDCC must listen to residents and reverse its plans to destroy the Seán Keating Garden - The Labour Party
Labour Party TD for Dublin South-West, Ciarán Ahern, has called on South Dublin County Council to listen to Rathfarnham residents and put an end to its proposal to pave over the majority of the Seán Keating Garden to make way for a new car park. Deputy Ahern’s comments follow the closure of the public consultation on the Council’s plans to redevelop the Rathfarnham Castle Stables and Courtyards. The Seán Keating Garden, named after one of Ireland’s most celebrated artists and long-time Rathfarnham resident, is a vital community asset and there is near unanimous opposition to its destruction in the local area.
Following the end of the public consultation process, Deputy Ahern said:
“The strength of feeling towards the Council’s plans to pave over the Seán Keating Garden is evident in the locality. Rathfarnham Castle and the walled garden is a hugely appreciated asset. Indeed, almost 4,000 people from the area have signed my petition to have the Garden retained as part of the overall redevelopment plan.
“Ireland is amongst the lowest in the EU for urban green space. The Castle has seen many changes over time and much of its green space has been reduced, particularly over recent decades, leaving very little of its former glorious grounds intact. The Seán Keating Garden was opened 15 years ago at a not-insignificant cost and it would be a massive shame to see it nearly entirely destroyed to make way for a car park; not to mention a considerable waste of public funds.
“The redevelopment of the Castle Stables and Courtyards is very welcome, and it’s great that there will be a community-focus with the inclusion of multi-purpose event spaces for the arts, music, culture, exhibitions and so on. It’s extremely regrettable on that basis that what could and should be a really positive initiative is tarnished by the proposed destruction of the Seán Keating Garden.
“South Dublin County Council should head the calls from local residents and the wider Rathfarnham community and scrap its plans to pour concrete over the beautiful Seán Keating Garden.”