Local residents groups in Rathcoole are currently fundraising for a judicial review. On the 12th of November 2020, an Bord Pleanala granted permission for a 204 unit Strategic Housing Development (SHD) to a private developer[1]. It will be off Stoney Hill Road, uphill and opposite Peyton Estate, surrounding Rathcoole Park Estate and beside Rathcoole Woodland. In a recent letter circulated to Rathcoole residents it said “162 objections were lodged because the infrastructure in Rathcoole Village cannot take more houses and out of concern for Rathcoole Woodland. This decision can only be appealed through a Judicial Review in the Courts”.
The developer supplied an Area Plan[2] for lands zoned new residential in the planning application, of which this development is Part 1 of 3. Part 2 is development of the adjacent South Dublin County Council lands, Rathcoole Woodlands with potentially 250[3] up to 400 houses[4] according to the SHD. Part 3 is for a 16 classroom primary school. The letter continued “We believe this is an appalling planning decision permitting more housing in the absence of sufficient infrastructure. We are tired of traffic queues, sewage overflows and the risk of flooding. We want better planning. We want the agreed statutory Local Area Plan we are entitled to with public consultation”.
The Four Districts Woodland Group, BCM Residents Association, Rathcoole Park Residents Association and Forest Hills Residents Association are challenging the An Bord Pleanála decision in court in a Judicial Review and they have engaged a legal team with extensive experience. The letter said “They have advised that we have a good case. There are several material planning contraventions, including lack of “approved area plan”, no Environmental Impact Assessment for the ‘approved Area Plan’ and lack of public participation at the pre application stage. But it is costly. We need to raise €30,000. We are seeking a donation of €50, but any amount is gratefully received. COVID restrictions are making fundraising very challenging. We cannot do it alone. WE NEED YOUR HELP”.
There are three ways to donate to the campaign;
1. Bank transfer or lodgement to the ‘Four Districts Woodland Habitat Group’ bank account, BIC: BOFIIE2D (Bank of Ireland) and IBAN: IE38BOFI90129845776072. For transfers include your name and address and they will issue a receipt. For lodgements, email your slip and address to the group and they will issue a receipt.
2. GoFundMe Page – www.gofundme.com/f/save-rathcoole-woodlands
3. Deliver donations to a local drop off point.
For more information, follow the campaign on facebook.com/FourDistrictsWoodland.
If your organisation wants to work with the group, or if you have any questions, please contact rathcoolejudicialreview@gmail.com.
[1] http://www.sdublincoco.ie/Planning/Details?regref=SHD3ABP-307698-20
[2] AREA PLAN FOR LANDS AT STONEY HILL ROAD AND RATHCOOLE PARK, RATHCOOLE, CO. DUBLIN
[3] SDCC Master Plan as of July 2019
[4] Proposed Residential Development at lands at Stoney Hill Road, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin Traffic and Transport Assessment Romeville Developments Ltd
