Councillors to vote on diaspora project for Merrion Square

Dublin City Councillors have been asked to approve plans for a new diaspora-themed garden pavilion for Merrion Square funded by philanthropist Norma Smurfit.

Ms Smurfit, who commissioned the Famine Memorial bronze figures in Dublin’s docklands, wants to give Irish diaspora around the world the chance to have “a presence in Dublin” by having their names added to a digital display on the inside wall of the pavilion.

Participants will pay around €100 to the Ireland’s Legacy website to have their names added to the wall and the money will go to as yet unspecified charitable causes.

The pavilion is planned for a site at the back of the Rutland Fountain inside the west side of Merrion Square opposite the national gallery.

Locked

The single-storey structure will have two walls flanking either side of the fountain, but will have an open railed front which will be locked at night.

Two new pedestrian entrances from Merrion Square West would be cut into the railings on either side of the fountain.

A Victorian gate lodge used to stand on the site but was demolished around 40 years ago. In addition to commemorating the diaspora, the pavilion would act as a shelter for the park.

Plans for the project are open to public submission until July 20th, but the decision on whether to proceed will rest with the city councillors.

Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said he would resign if the project goes ahead.

“There has been no public procurement for this, no other expressions of interest have been sought, and we have not been told what charities are to benefit from this.”

The park should be kept as a “peaceful place” Mr Flynn said and not used for a commercial venture he said.

‘Due process’

“I don’t believe due process is being followed here and I will resign from the council is this grandiosity is allowed to proceed”.

Separately, the council said the current process of felling trees in the park is part of the ongoing maintenance of the square. Concerns had recently been raised by the public following what appeared to be a large scale removal of trees.

A spokeswoman for the council said the trees being removed were self-seeded weed trees which were causing problems for the historic specimens in the park.

“Traditionally Merrion Square Park did not contain the large number and particular variety of trees that had proliferated in recent years,” she said.

‘Causing problems’

“The trees that have been removed from Merrion Square Park by

Dublin City Council

were self-seeded weed trees that had grown over the years but had not been planted by the council and, as such, were causing problems to the correct maintenance of the park.”

New trees will be planted as part of on-going conservation work she said.

“The council are at present undertaking a structured planting scheme for 70 trees which will be in place by the end of May.

“These trees are considered to be high quality, rich horticultural specimens and will be strategically planted in a way that will enhance the park for years to come.”