Dublin's largest synagogue demolition approved by The Coimisiún Pleanála, paving the way for the construction of 60 apartments.
In a contentious decision, An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) has granted planning permission to Granbrind Terenure Ltd for the demolition of Dublin's largest synagogue and the construction of a 60-unit apartment scheme on its site. The decision, made in April, has been met with opposition from local residents and the Jewish community.
The synagogue, located on a 0.54-hectare site on Rathfarnham Road, Terenure, has been an Orthodox Jewish place of worship since 1952. The building, however, is not a protected structure and has not been assessed as being of architectural or historical significance.
The architect who designed the synagogue was Wilfred Cantwell, but it was Aubrey Vincent O'Rourke who was responsible for the Terenure Synagogue's distinctive stained-glass windows. Despite the historical significance of these windows, they will be reused in a future synagogue site.
The Dublin Hebrew Congregation, which has occupied the synagogue, has expressed its support for the application. In a letter lodged with the application, the Congregation stated that it fully supported the application due to the current space being too large for its needs. One of the signatories to this letter was Ireland's chief rabbi, Yoni Wieder.
The report justifying the demolition of the synagogue highlights the provision of new housing units in an area of high population growth as a valuable contribution. However, local residents, including Terenure Residents Association, Wasdale Park residents, and Greenmount Lawns residents, have voiced their opposition.
The residents argue that the proposed apartment blocks would result in overlooking, an overbearing and intrusive presence, and overshadowing on adjoining properties. They also oppose the demolition of the synagogue, claiming it would be a huge loss to the history of the Jewish community living in the area due to its unique features like the five stars of David and stained-glass windows.
Despite these objections, ACP inspector Mary Kennelly agrees that the demolition of the buildings is appropriate. She considers it acceptable as it facilitates the redevelopment of the site for the benefit of the community. The synagogue building, however, is deemed unsuitable for repurposing and reuse.
The decision to grant planning permission for the demolition and redevelopment of the Terenure Synagogue site has sparked a heated debate, with both supporters and opponents voicing their concerns. As the project moves forward, it remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold.
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