A packed public meeting in Fairview last Monday overwhelmingly agreed that the proposed development of almost 80 apartments in place of 5 houses on Richmond Avenue was just not on. The meeting was organised by Fairview Residents Association after a number of locals noticed that the developer Gerry Beades intended developing an extremely high density apartment complex on the corner of Richmond Avenue and Richmond estate. This development would surround "Tom Clarke House", a building of historic importance as it was the home of the 1916 leader.
Among the main concerns raised at the meeting was the extremely high density
of the proposed development and the creation of a new exit onto Inverness
Road. The meeting was attended by residents from both the Richmond &
Inverness / Melrose sides of the development as well as the developer. The
first part of the meeting outlined the proposed development and the second
half was a detailed debate. At the end a vote was taken showing overwhelming
opposition to the development.
"We have a lot of concerns", said Pádraig de Burca,
who chaired the meeting. "The sheer scale and density involved is breath-taking
- it even involves a 2-storey underground car-park. The new vehicle &
pedestrian entrances onto Inverness Road would fundamentally alter the nature
of this area. At a time when we are planning traffic calming due to the
huge volumes currently in the area, this would run an extra 100 vehicles
into one the few remaining areas where children can play on the street.
Indeed the facts are that they have to play there as there is no other local
facility. The nearest playground is in Fairview park and that is about to
be torn down to make way for the Dublin Port Tunnel."
Among the points made was that locals would welcome suitable development of the area - indeed of all Richmond Avenue - but that this was just ridiculous. "All you here these days after the Bacon Reports is that higher density is needed - we agree with that 100% and would hold out the Fairview area as an example of how to accomplish this", said Mr. de Burca. Most of the 100 year old area is made up of 2 & 3 storey terraced townhouses with small gardens. The community spirit in the area is palpable. Recent infill developments have included townhouses and duplex buildings. The residents' association has been pro-active in co-operating with developers to ensure suitable developments.
"We do not oppose everything and have a good record in co-operating
with developers", said Mr. de Burca, "but this is ridiculous.
Sticking an underground car park & a 5 storey block where there were
a couple of houses is about 10 steps too far. People are afraid to open
their mouths now in case some developer builds a 'high-quality' unit there."
"We also have to question why so many apartment applications are being
made in July & August - are the developers afraid people will notice
something? And what protection will the old existing housing stock have
- including Tom Clarke House - if a two-storey car park is excavated right
next to them?" Mr de Burca was insistent that development of the area
was welcome - even essential. "But we're not willing to sell our souls
for inappropriate developments that will fundamentally change the area."
Start building townhouses and stop opening up cul-de-sacs, he concluded.
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