Just doing some light houskeeping so the info on the homepage gets straight to the point.
Thanks for all the great support this last year - 1,700 signatures and counting so lets keep spreading the word and #SaveShanganaghPark
***Update 16/01/2023***
With the first of two community walks to the DLRCOCO public meeting/ consultation/ information/ who knows what sessions planned for this Tuesday 17 Jan, check out the "Updates" section for a reminder what #SaveShanganaghPark is all about and the situation so far – please take a moment to read, share and join us to deliver a better Shanganagh Park for all, now and into the future…
***Update 05/01/2023***
Happy New Year all and let's hope it will be for Shanganagh Park!
Please note revised dates and times for DLRCOCO's public consultations on the Shanganagh Park Redevelopment as follows:
Venue: Woodbrook College (A98 AW64)
Tue 17 Jan @ 6.30pm - 8pm
Sat 21 Jan @ 2pm - 5.30pm
Supporters, families and friends are all encouraged to participate in at least one of these meetings (if not both!) in numbers so we can be seen and our voices can be heard.
Additionally, all are invited in advance of each meeting to join a public walk through Shanganagh Park to Woodbrook College to show our appreciation for the park and support for more sustainable solutions using existing facilities:
Walk One: Tuesday 17 January, 2023
5.45pm - Depart from St Anne's Park entrance
6pm - Depart from Cemetery/Playground entrance (opposite Shanganagh Marble & Stone)
6.15pm - Arrive Woodbrook College
6.30pm - Consultation starts
Walk Two: Saturday 21 January, 2023
1.15pm - Depart from St Anne's Park entrance
1.30pm - Depart from Cemetery/Playground entrance (opposite Shanganagh Marble & Stone)
1.45pm - Arrive Woodbrook College
2pm - Consultation starts
NB: For both walks, please wear hi-viz jackets for safety and visibility!
For more information, details and plans, see https://dlrcoco.citizenspace.com/parks/parks-shanganagh-park-cemetery-phase-1-development/
For #SaveShanganaghPark updates, visit www.facebook.com/SaveShanganaghPark
****Update 20/12/2022***
!!!SAVE THE DATES!!!
Shanganagh Park Redevelopment
Public Meetings (times TBC):
Wed 18 Jan @ Woodbrook College
Sat 21 Jan @ Woodbrook College
Almost a year to the day, DLRCOCO are readying for another attempt to redevelop the heart of Shanganagh Park for local (and not so local!) sports clubs to train and play on at the expense of open, tranquil and safe green spaces ALL can enjoy.
As Shankill faces redevelopment on all sides from much-needed and increasingly dense housing projects, the public’s appreciation for and relationship with the park has altered significantly since Covid first hit.
Mercifully, after subsequent overwhelming public opposition to ever intense plans and a successful High Court case against DLRCOCO, the Council finally recognise the significant shortcomings of their original process (which steamrolled over valid public concerns) and are committing to a series of public consultations - who said miracles don’t happen at Christmas?!
For more information please register at https://dlrcoco.citizenspace.com/parks/parks-shanganagh-park-cemetery-phase-1-development/ and share with family and friends so all can have their input at these key meetings.
Only people power will help #SaveShanganaghPark and ensure we have a park for all and not just pitches for some!
Sign & Share: www.change.org/SaveShanganaghPark
***Update 24/11/2022***
Get ready for Round Two!!!
DLRCOCO are preparing to relaunch their controversial plans for Shanganagh Park at the earliest opportunity, possibly in the coming weeks.
Give the original plans, opposed by a majority but approved by a minority, were quashed by a High Court Order following a Judicial Review, we hope local Councillors will show leadership and stewardship to demand Council planners this time take onboard and incorporate the legitimate concerns and feedback of the community for more sustainable solutions (economically, socially and environmentally) that still support the enhancement of sport facilities but not at the expense of the environment and local community.
Only time will tell but get ready to raise your voices once again to protect and preserve our park for all to enjoy!
***Update 06/10/2022"
Success!
An application to the High Court to launch Judicial Review proceedings against Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council was made in July this year, challenging both the process which the Council Executive followed in the lead-up to a vote by DLRCOCO Councillors on Monday 9 May and the subsequent vote itself to approve the removal and redevelopment of the large meadow at the heart of Shanganagh Park and to replace it with a “high intensity active recreation zone”.
This process and vote happened despite significant flaws in the procedures followed, the public consultation process and overwhelming community opposition to the plans as presented - from individuals, residents groups, sports clubs and their own members, local businesses and many more from within and beyond Shankill - when more sustainable solutions sympathetic to the park and sporting needs were available i.e. using and upgrading existing facilities within and nearby the park itself which offered a viable alternative, supported by a majority, and which made sound economic, social and environmental sense.
The High Court hearing took place on Monday 3 October and the judge was informed at the start of the hearing that DLRCOCO had conceded the case brought against it, thereby accepting an order to quash the Part 8 redevelopment.
As a result, this redevelopment is no longer permitted and the much-loved meadow remains safe for all to enjoy. DLRCOCO may in time look to start another process from scratch and if they do, we’ll be ready as we were before to contribute to a collaborative, authentic and meaningful whole of community consultation that safeguards our fantastic park for ALL users, be they feathered or furry, fitness seekers or fans.
This outcome would not have been possible without the backing of 2,000+ supporters whose legitimate views the Council regrettably failed to genuinely consider for reasons best known to themselves (as evidenced in the DLRCOCO Chief Executive's Report, incredibly supported by all but two Councillors (click here to see the report). We sincerely hope all Councillors take note of the decision and actually come and visit the park to see exactly what was at risk.
The variety of support offered by so many has been very much appreciated by the #SaveShanganaghPark team so this is a win for all who cared enough to challenge the Council and add their voice to the campaign to #SaveShanganaghPark.
So go and enjoy the park - it is a beautiful, highly-treasured amenity by young and old from all walks of life. It is an important site for local sport, active and passive recreation, and the envy of many visiting clubs. But crucially, it is a safe haven for the rich yet increasingly under-threat biodiversity of Shankill and the surrounding communities.
As more and more unspoilt green spaces around us get swallowed-up every day, only by working together can we balance a community's wants with nature's needs to best preserve the Park for current and future generations to come.
Thank you.
Share: Let your friends and family know about the #SaveShanganaghPark campaign
Sign: Keep the petition going at www.change.org/SaveShanganaghPark
*** Update 22/08/2022***
DLRCOCO cancel planned public meeting to update community regarding Shanganagh Park Redevelopment
DLRCOCO have cancelled a public meeting hosted by the South Shankill Residents Association scheduled for this Thursday, 25 Aug at 7.30pm in Shankill Tennis Club.
Council staff have been advised not to present given a legal action involving the Council concerning the proposed redevelopment of the park
Notwithstanding the late notice given stakeholders had already been informed of the meeting taking place, this is a very disappointing development given DLRCOCO confirmed their attendance at this public meeting which was specifically organised and designed for DLRCOCO Parks team to update and hear from the impacted community on the Council's widely opposed plans.
In order to support and preserve the important biodiversity, character and heart of the park for all, scaling back plans to instead upgrade existing facilities is a far better financial, social and environmental solution that balances the needs of ALL users and not just the vested interests of some.
Action: Please continue to share this petition and let your local representatives and sports clubs know that you do not support the plans as approved by the Council on 9 May 2022 but seek a more sustainable alternative.
***Update 09/05/2022***
DLRCOCO Councillors vote through plans despite overwhelming opposition
On Monday evening, despite clear and overwhelming public opposition documented in the DLRCOCO Chief Executive’s report on the shambolic redevelopment plans for Shanganagh Park, DLRCOCO Councillors voted overwhelmingly to approve the revised plans that will rip out the meadow in an open, unspoilt space in the heart of the Park and replace it with a “high intensity active recreation zone” that a majority oppose.
Impacted community groups were given no notice nor opportunity to review the report and updated plans prior to the vote in a calculated move to avoid further engagement and consultation despite a very conservative 72% level of public opposition noted in the report which ignored the near 1,300 signatories to this petition.
Check out the webcast to see the disaster as it unfolded at https://dlrcoco.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/668750/start_time/2766000?force_language_code=en_GB – watch in horror and dismay the Council staff efforts to mislead Councillors and force a vote despite concerns from only a handful of Councillors as supporting something with so much public opposition and so little public support.
We’re down but not out and exploring other options given efforts to proactively engage the Council and present viable, sustainable and more appropriate solutions were dismissed and ignored as the steamroller of local government trampled over public opinion and community needs.
Come join us in the park at 1300 on Wednesday 01 June 2022 to make some noise as the Council unveil a new musical installation beside the big green Cuala GAA container - we’ll make some beautiful music of our own!
#SaveShanganaghPark
www.facebook.com/SaveShanganaghPark
***Update 08/05/2022***
DLRCOCO dismiss public consultation,
DLRCOCO Parks Department, ignoring our requests for information and meaningful engagement, have pushed ahead with submitting a report from the Chief Executive to Council for approval that will destroy the heart and character of Shanganagh Park and bring further traffic congestion to the surrounding areas.
This is undemocratic, bad governance and contrary to any claims DLRCOCO make to be suitable custodians of land bequeathed to the public for use as open space, not fenced in sports facilities with metal pylons, concrete structures etc.
Help stop this madness!
Share the petition - get it signed - contact all your DLRCOCO Councillors, TDs, sports clubs, media contacts, family, friends, neighbours - anyone who can help us influence the decision makers who value both the Park and their council and Dáil seats come election day.
#SaveShanganaghPark
www.facebook.com/SaveShanganaghPark
***Update 04/02/2022***
DLRCOCO have started clearing work of hedgerows and habitat despite feedback from the public consultation process not yet been considered by the Chief Executive or DLRCOCO Councillors. This is an incredible move that requires an explanation…
***Update 03/02/2022***
The petition lives on!!!
The last day to submit objections to DLRCOCO planners was 01/02/2022 but keep signing and sharing to pile the pressure on DLRCOCO Councillors to respect the huge public opposition to current plans and instead preserve the park’s open green spaces by upgrading existing facility footprints only, all in far better locations with minimal cost to the community, environment and public budget!
Make a difference and have your voice heard:
Sign - Submit - Share - Repeat :-)
Please note: the #SaveShanganaghPark campaign does NOT ask for or receive any donations. Upon signing, change.org will ask signatories if they wish to make a VOLUNTARY donation towards Change.org costs and to promote the petition on its platforms which you are free to do if you wish but with no obligation :-)
It's all free, easy and will take no more than 5mins of your time:
1. Sign this petition to register your opposition to DLRCOCO's current plans and demand as a reasonable and economical alternative the sustainable and sympathetic development of Shanganagh Park using existing pitch footprints and superior locations to meet the needs of the local community, park users and sports practitioners from Shankill and surrounding areas.
2. Contact Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council (DLRCOCO) info@dlrcoco.ie to voice your opposition to current plans and give your support for the more viable, less damaging alternatives by developing the existing pitches (and those at Stonebridge) which are closer to the necessary parking and transport infrastructure to the west of the park and away from existing residential spaces.
3. Share this information with your social and professional networks and contact your local political representatives to demand change.
*****
"Biodiversity loss and climate change are some of the great challenges of our time. At the same time, reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for unspoiled nature and landscapes is now more important than ever before. As Europe responds to pandemic and to the ecological crisis, the need to invest in an integrated network of protected areas – of which [Nature Regional Landscape Parks] NRL Parks are a significant component – could not be more urgent." - Europarc Federation
Shanganagh Park, a public amenity located between the mountains and the sea in Shankill, Co. Dublin, is under immediate threat of over-development and intensified use.
Designated by DLRCOCO as a Locally Important Biodiversity Site, Shanganagh Park "is a great area for wildlife and an important amenity for the local community; it is made up of two large green areas separated by the DART line and stretching right down to the coast of the Irish Sea." - DLRCOCO Shanganagh Park Biodiversity Education Pack
DLRCOCO Councillors, Parks and Sports Departments, under intense pressure from housing developers and sports lobbyists, have already removed from public benefit to the east of the Park two large meadows with native hedgerows, destroyed by the beneficiary, a private golf club, to create new holes for its course which is already shrinking due to coastal erosion. No additional space has yet been opened to public use.
The Council have produced a "Masterplan" that, following a consultation process which largely dismissed or ignored legitimate public concerns and offered no right of reply, was approved by Councillors and now threatens the very fabric of this tranquil parkland setting forever.
Phase One of the "Masterplan", stripping out the last available undeveloped meadow on the west side of the park to make way for two floodlit GAA and up to four half-pitch soccer pitches, warm-up areas, spectator viewing mounds, running track etc. is almost ready to proceed unless the public demand otherwise.
This Phase One:
removes much needed yet ever-diminishing open green spaces for passive recreation and important "headspace" during the pandemic
damages biodiversity and fragile ecosystems during a "climate emergency" declared by DLRCoCo
greatly increases pressure on an already strained local amenity and supporting infrastructure
prioritises the over-development of sport facilities and the intensive use of three additional floodlit pitches with nine pylons (each over 24metres/seven storeys high in the central meadow) and race tracks for matches, race meets and training over the preservation of unspoiled meadow-land, scenic views and a space all can enjoy (and not just paid-up members of sports clubs)
will result in increased litter, noise and light pollution given proposed usage and intensity (0700-2200 daily)
increases the risks to life arising from road traffic accidents due to a significant increase in traffic for Shanganagh Park and surrounding residential areas (including Crinken Glen, Olcovar, Castle Farm, Quinns Road, Shrewsbury Road, St. Anne's Park, Shanganagh Grove, Foxes Grove and others) from local and visiting players, teams, spectators and support staff
ignores alternative solutions within the Park's existing footprint that will reduce impact without excessive compromise
reflects DLRCoCo's desire to reconfigure the Park unnecessarily in order to unlock extra funding from having a "regional" rather than "suburban park" designation
Yet a viable alternative to all these negative impacts, that still preserves the heart of the Park while delivering upgraded and additional facilities, is available if the existing GAA pitches adjacent to the Dublin/Bray Road are upgraded instead of current plans to remove one of these and replace it with a redundant "mock" entrance and duck pond (bizarrely next to a main road!). This along with improved facilities at Stonebridge and Woodbrook College, better facility management and scheduling will help alleviate the burden clubs are dealing with until more appropriately-located facilities become available such as in Cherrywood.
Shanganagh Park cannot speak for itself but needs the support of the public and all who benefit from this spectacular amenity to help preserve it for a growing population and generations to come that will need #ParksNotPitches
*** Act Now ***
#SaveShanganaghPark
www.facebook.com/SaveShanganaghPark
For more - See the "Updates" section...