DUN Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has purchased the iconic Fernhill Gardens for over
?¬4 million, it has emerged.
A delighted Cllr Lettie McCarthy (Lab), who had campaigned long and hard for the gardens to be acquired by the council, applauded her fellow councillors for backing her efforts.
“I am delighted that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council followed up on my proposal and successfully acquired Fernhill Gardens,
? she said.
“Getting unanimous support from my council colleagues in July sent a strong message to our Chief Executive instructing her to explore the possibility of purchasing these amazing gardens.
“Having this public space in an area that has become home to thousands of families in the last decade is a real win that will be of major benefit to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and the greater Dublin area.
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In a message to councillors, the council stated:
“Dear councillors, with regard to the acquisition of Fernhill Gardens by the council I can now confirm that the council has entered into contract for the purchase of the property.
“While the sale has not yet closed it is expected that the closing will take place shortly and I will let you know as soon as the closing takes place.
“In the meantime you can take it that we have successfully acquired Fernhill Gardens at a cost of
?¬4.25 million.
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Cllr Peter O’Brien (Lab) said the Fernhill House and Gardens must remain as public amenity and developed for the benefit of the greater Southside area.
“I very much welcome this forward and progressive move by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to purchase Fernhill House and Gardens,
? said Cllr. O’Brien.
“The council has already established that the area needs public amenities as it is close to housing developments at Park View, Belamine, Aiken’s Village and the surrounding Stepaside area.
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According to Cllr O’Brien, Fernhill House and Gardens cover over 80 acres, more than half of which are wooded.
“It is extremely important that the council retains the entire lands for public amenity use due to the high density of housing developed in the area over the past decade,
? Cllr O’Brien added.
“In particular, I would like to see that the historic gardens are maintained and enhanced. The gardens are noted for their rare collections of plants, trees and shrubs, so the council must put in place a realistic and feasible plan that will not only maintain the gardens but turn them into a significant public attraction in their own right.
“The council has shown great foresight in purchasing the property and lands but now it must immediately signal its intentions to keep it entirely as public parkland.
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Cllr O’Brien also pointed out that there must be proper public consultation before any plans are finalised to ensure that the people of the area have their say.
“I would not like to see a situation arise where Fernhill will be r-developed through the sale of some or all of the park land,
? he added.
“That would be an entirely retrograde step and the council must ensure that there are no plans put in place to rezone any of the lands.
“Future generations of families in the area will not look kindly on any decision to sell off any of the lands to offset the initial purchase price.
“We have a unique opportunity presented to us by the purchase of Fernhills – now we must ensure that it is developed into a lasting amenity.
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A spokesperson for Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council told Southside People:
“The only thing I can confirm for you in relation to Fernhill Gardens is that the council has entered into a contract for the purchase of the property at a cost of
?¬4.25m.
“The sale has not yet closed but we expect that it will close shortly.
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