RDS under fire for office block plans
However, it has been made quietly public that the RDS has plans for developing an office complex, comprising five buildings ranging from four to six storeys (the height of the Four Seasons Hotel) along both sides of Simmonscourt Road.
This despite the fact that, according to the Dublin City Development Plan, office development is not permitted on the site. Remarkably, Dublin City Council has consented to the public road forming part of the application so that an office plaza will occupy a large part of Simmonscourt Road.
The plans also call for major changes affecting the showjumping arena, the heart of the RDS. A huge office block is to be positioned at its very edge. Although we appreciate that the society must produce income, as they already do through numerous concerts, exhibitions and the lucrative leasing of the corner site to the Four Seasons Hotel, we regard these latest proposals as a complete departure from what the RDS stands for.
While we appreciate that the RDS is a private society, it now appears that they wish to become involved in property speculation and the destruction of what should surely be an amenity for the public the unique buildings and showgrounds.
We believe that members, and all those who feel the RDS grounds should continue to be used for what they were originally intended, and not for office blocks, should make their views known to RDS management and object in the strongest terms to this commercial venture, and what amounts to the destruction of the site.
Colm Mac Eochaidh, 7A Fownes Street,
Upper, Dublin 2.
Tom Dillon, Monaleen Road,
Castletroy, Limerick.
Patience Fawcitt, Laurelmount,
Dunmanway, Co Cork.
Chriona O'Sullivan, Mallardstown,
Callan, Co Kilkenny.
Capt Ronan Egan, 11, Furness Manor, Johnstown, Co Kildare.
Mona Mc Garry, 51 Anglesea Road, D4.
Mia O'Sullivan, 65 Oldtown Demesne, Naas, Co Kildare.
