Over 500 oppose plans for redevelopment and new apartments at Coolock church
More than 500 Dublin residents are opposed to proposed plans to redevelop a church and feel the community has not been properly consulted.
A recent Priorswood parish newsletter from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church revealed plans to submit planning permission to renovate the historic Coolock church and make way for 90 new apartments in the area. While Fr Martin Bennett explained in the newsletter that he first spoke of the development to churchgoers over two years ago, locals claim there was never proper consultation.
A petition started by locals said the changes are a “disrespect to the historical significance” of the church that could “impose substantial challenges to our community.” They fear an increase in local traffic congestion and parking dilemmas, as well as a strain on local infrastructure like schools and healthcare facilities.
The petition urges Dublin City Council to reject planning permission or demand “significant amendments” that address local concerns before plans go through. The parish newsletter outlined the proposed development of two blocks of one-bedroom apartments for over 55s, which will help pay for the replacing of an asbestos-damaged roof, a smaller church, and a new parish hall for community gatherings.
The planned redevelopment also aims to enhance the parish office and shop, as well as create a new coffee dock and kitchen area. Plans for the new leak-proof roof also include solar panels, with the building fully insulated for new light, heat, and sound systems.
Coolock resident David Caul lives opposite the church gates and said that while he supports the renovation he questioned the decision to place 90 one-bedroom apartments in the area. He said that apartments shouldn’t be built in existing housing estates and that if new properties were to be built they should be serving families in need of accommodation.
Mr Caul insists the community has not had a chance to voice its opinion. He is worried about the devaluation of houses and the apartments blocking the sun, noting that no one asked or consulted the neighbours.
“With the prices of houses, what’s going to happen with apartments in front of you blocking the sun? Nobody asked for a consultation to say what these plans were about,” Mr Caul explained. “There’s a school nearby that’s chock-a-block with cars parking in people’s driveways, where are all these cars going to go for the people moving in?”
Local representatives also feel like they have been "blindsided" by the redevelopment plans, with Sinn Fein Councillor Edel Moran stating she had initially been told that the plans had already gone to consultation with the local residents. She learned later that the public consultation for the whole area never actually took place, leaving people "up in arms."
Cllr Moran noted that while the private developer's presentation looked impressive, the lack of public consultation for residents is unacceptable. She is now trying to organise a public meeting to present the full plans to the local community and hear their concerns. Cllr Moran explained that the council’s role in the development is limited to approving planning permission, as they do not own the land.
In his newsletter, Fr Bennett addressed the community’s concerns and said he wants everybody’s voice to be heard in a meaningful way. “I strongly encourage full and active engagement with the planning process when that time comes. No plans have been submitted yet,” he said.
“Let me reassure you that together we are investing in the future of our church and the future of our community through the provision of much-needed community facilities,” he added.
Dublin City Council have been contacted for comment on this issue.
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