A FINGLAS based Christian church has been refused permission to continue using a unit in an industrial estate for worship services.
The Cherubim and Seraphim Church at The Enterprise, North City Business Park in Dublin 11, applied in May for permission and retention to continue using the unit where it has been holding services for the past two and half years.
The church attracts a largely Nigerian congregation and services typically include bible study and colourful celebrations accompanied by music. However, locals had expressed annoyance at noise levels from the church, which is a registered charity and an official member of the Irish Council of Churches.
A spokesperson for the church confirmed it had received complaints and had taken measures to reduce the noise levels.
“We stopped using musical instruments from Monday to Saturday at our services to respect the neighbours,
? he said.
“We only used them at our mass on Sunday afternoons.
?
Prior to the July 3 decision by Fingal County Council to refuse the application for retention permission, the church said it had already planned not to renew its lease on the unit and move to another location.
“The tenancy expires in October and we’re looking for another place,
? the spokesperson said.
The church attracts worshipers from all over Dublin and neighbouring counties and says it hopes to find another location within the city. The spokesperson said it always respected its neighbours and this was a determining factor in its decision to move.
Local TD John Lyons (Lab) had lodged an objection to the retention application claiming the unit’s use as a church was contrary to designated zoning objectives.
“I have also received complaints from neighbours about the noise levels as the church backs onto a residential area,
? he said.
“A unit in an industrial estate is just not suitable for use as a church.
?
Fingal County Council’s report on the refusal for retention said the unit was
“not considered to be compatible with the existing industrial uses
? and granting permission would be
“contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area
?.
“The site is located in an area zoned with the objective GE which is to
‘provide opportunities for general enterprise and employment’,
? the report reads.
“The place of worship seeking retention is a not a permitted use class within the zoning objective.
?