Yeats College is one step closer to providing an amphitheatre and sports facilities for its students at a site on the shores of Lough Atalia.
Terry Fahy, principal of the private second-level school on nearby College Road, made a submission to the draft City Development Plan, in which he sought a specific development objective for these RA (residential/amenity)-zoned lands for consideration of a sports ground and facilities.
The response of the City Council’s Chief Executive, Brendan McGrath, was that there be no change, however.
“The proposal submitted raises issues in terms of its nature, size, visual amenity, protection of existing walk/cycleway/right of way, car parking spaces requirements, visual amenity, and its proximity to adjacent protected European Natura 2000 sites,” his response stated.
Senior executive planner, Helen Coleman, explained that the 1.2-acre site was “challenged” by a number of issues.
“Access is not straightforward, there is a flooding issue, and ecological issues – any planning application would need to be referred to the OPW and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and it would be teased out in that manner,” she said.
However, Cllr Peter Keane pointed out that the applicant had gone along the ‘proper route’ – seeing a pre-planning meeting, before an application was to be made – but that “obstacles” were put in his way; hence his submission to the CDP, he added.
“I am absolutely satisfied to propose the submission on behalf of the applicant,” Cllr Keane said.
“It is consistent with the R&A uses, and he is not looking to get away from the zoning it enjoys.”
The proposal was seconded by Cllr Pearce Flannery, and supported by most of his fellow members.
Cllr Cathal Ó Conchúir said it was admirable that the applicant was seeking to provide sports facilities for his students, which could only benefit all.
“We have the lowest participation of females in sport in the world,” he said.
“This will be the most unobtrusive feature of the landscape I can think of.”
Cllr Frank Fahy, whose daughter attended Yeats College, recalled that students attended from early morning to late at night in preparation for their Leaving Cert exams.
“There are absolutely no facilities for students to exercise – this is a thousand times better than what’s currently there, and students will be walking to it,” he said.
Cllr Colette Connolly described the location as “very difficult” as it required access through The Huntsman.
“This is one of the most beautiful sites, an area of real beauty… the site is completely landlocked, and we don’t want to encourage more parking in that area.”
Senior Planner, Caroline Phelan, said that the site was a Special Area of Conservation, within close proximity to a special habitat (a lagoon), and it also faced a risk of flooding.
Director of Services, Joe O’Neill, also said that this proposal would not eliminate the obstacles regarding access and the SAC.
“It is laudable that it is for the use of his students, and he says that he is open to others using it, but how are they going to get there?” he asked.
Cllr Peter Keane changed his original motion to read: ‘consider the development of these lands for the provision of sports facilities and an amphitheatre’ – 15 councillors voted in favour of this motion, while three abstained (Mairead Farrell, Anna Marley, and Colette Connolly).
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