Concerns raised over works at old schoolhouse in Clonsilla

The old schoolhouse in Clonsilla has seen construction vehicles move into the site, causing concern among locals. 

Dublin 15 Councillors Tania Doyle and John Walsh have raised concerns about the machinery operating on the site that is on the record of protected structures.

It is understood that the machinery moved in to carry out work on the site after the ownership rights to the land were acquired by new owners.

Fingal County Council had expressed an interest in purchasing the site, but was not able to reach an agreement.

In 2018, over 1,200 local residents signed a petition by Doyle calling for the schoolhouse to be saved and made into a local utility once again.

Speaking at the time, Doyle said “as a long-standing resident of Clonsilla I have seen how it has deteriorated over the years and is decaying before our eyes.”

“This is a historic building and is truly an asset not only to the community of Clonsilla, but the community of Dublin 15, and beyond.”

Doyle and Walsh visited the site and saw a large digger operating on the site.

Independent Councillor Doyle expressed concern with the operation of the digger, saying it ran the risk of causing “further destruction” to the environment at the site.

The Ongar Councillor stated that the developer had an ecological responsibility to maintain their sites in good order and said that after March 1, Nesting Season legislation came into place.

Under the law, it is illegal to cut, burn or destroy vegetation between March 1 and August 31, and concerns have been raised about the welfare of a badger sett that has sprung up on the site.

Walsh said, “it just beggars belief that further destructive works started on this sensitive ecological at a time when a legal case is already before the courts over the destruction of foliage and natural habitats on the site.”

The Castleknock Councillor noted that the case was taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service on the basis that the intentional destruction of a badger sett had occurred.

“I pointed out to the developer’s representatives that there is at least one known badger sett on this site which is legally protected. It’s impossible to see how the use of a large digger ripping up foliage on the site is compatible with protecting wildlife and biodiversity. I have complained to the NPWS about the latest works and asked them to protect this priceless natural resource.”

Doyle noted that when they engaged the ecologist for the developer, their wording was “vague and ambiguous” as to why the work was being carried out.

Walsh stated that the work being carried out on the site shows a “complete disregard for residents in Porterstown and Lambourn who have to put up with more disruptive works on their doorstep. “

The Labour Councillor said it was “incredibly disappointing” that Fingal Council was unable to purchase the Old School House.

“A major problem is that the proposal for an ecological corridor along the Canal was rejected by a small majority of Councillors in February 2023, which leaves the area close to the Canal open to destructive works like this.”