Plan to rezone estate withdrawn before vote

A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to rezone an estate in south Dublin that includes a heritage garden failed to get approval this week after the councillor who proposed it withdrew it before a vote.

A motion to rezone Fernhill Estate in Stepaside, 70 acres at the foot of the Dublin Mountains, was debated by councillors in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council as part of the council’s draft county development plan.

Fernhill contains a large historic garden that is open to the public and features planting from the mid-19th century.

Fine Gael councillors Jim O’Leary and Barry Ward had tabled the motion to allow for a development on the site which would include a public park, development of the historic house, a garden design and cookery school and extensive housing.

The proposal, from developer David Arnold, was opposed by county manager Owen Keegan and by Minister for the Environment John Gormley.

But Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Martin Cullen wrote to the manager to voice his support for what he described as “a rare opportunity” to establish an arts, culture and heritage amenity.

At the debate on the motion, which concluded on Wednesday, none of the councillors spoke in favour bar Mr O’Leary, who said he hoped councillors would see the potential of the proposal.

Labour councillor Lettie McCarthy said the asking price for the development was too high. It would involve rezoning land which was part of a buffer between the city and the mountains. Cllr Victor Boyhan criticised Mr Cullen for intervening in the process.

Mr O’Leary agreed to withdraw the motion due to lack of support. Afterwards, he said he was very disappointed.

Councillors are expected to conclude the debate on the plan by next Wednesday at the latest. The revised draft is expected to go to public consultation before Christmas. The public may then only comment on items that have been changed in the plan. Councillors are likely to debate the plan again in February before final ratification, but will be unable to introduce new alterations or rezonings.