Madam, – The situation of development opposite Castletown House by Devondale Ltd was well reported (“Permission for housing given near Castletown House”, June 1st). We in the Irish Georgian Society would like to underline the tragic lack of sensitive planning that precipitated permission being given to build behind the thin belt of trees opposite Castletown itself.
Notwithstanding the planting proposed to screen the development, we believe that the proposed new buildings would still intrude upon the setting of Castletown House and its revitalised demesne which has recently experienced such significant and important landscape restoration conceived by the OPW. The development would also threaten to compromise the environs of the Liffey valley which are constantly under pressure from new development works.
Given the threat posed to these nationally significant heritage assets and the enormous investment by the State in them, the Irish Georgian Society intends appealing the decision of Kildare County Council to An Bord Pleanála. – Yours, etc,