Public to have their say on Fernhill House plan

SOUTHSIDERS are being encouraged to have their say on the new park at Fernhill House and Gardens on the Enniskerry Road as the project enters its final phase of public consultation.

Fernhill House and Gardens in Stepaside is to be developed into 34 hectares of Regional Public Park which will provide a range of local environmental and recreation activities and resources from the local area. 

Fine Gael Senator for Dublin Rathdown, Neale Richmond, said the park will be accessed from the Enniskerry Road and will be a valuable asset for families across South Dublin.

“Following a productive initial consultation, the formal proposals being put forward by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council will include car parking, active recreation, play, paths with multiple seating/resting areas, woodland walks, gardens, ponds and wetlands, meadows and new boundaries.

“The existing Coach House will be transformed into new  tearooms while the tower building will be used for staff/community facilities alongside a new sports building, dwelling units, and community gardens.

“Previously as a county councillor for the area, I worked hard to bring this wonderful amenity under public ownership.

“I was delighted to work with many locals to feed into the initial consultation period.

“This new park will be a focal point for the local community and will provide space for both playing and learning for all ages,

? Senator Richmond added.

“This is the type of positive investment we can all be proud of and support but I am encouraging locals to input their ideas and concerns to ensure that this park serves them the way it should.

“Plans for this significant project in our community may be viewed in council offices  up to and including August 9. Alternatively on the July 27 at 8pm a presentation on this proposed development will take place in Sandyford Community Centre.

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The closing date for receipt of submissions and observations is August 23 and these can be made online at www.dlrcoco.ie or alternatively in writing to the Municipal Services Department, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, County Hall,  Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.

 “I am encouraging local residents and interested parties to have their say on the new park at Fernhill House and Gardens on the Enniskerry Road as the project enters its final phase of public consultation this summer,

? Senator Richmond stated.

“This is will be a fantastic public amenity for the people and it is vital that the people take ownership of what the new park will look like.

“It is very positive to see these plans to develop Fernhill into a public park. The former substantial family residence stands on 34 hectares of land just south of the Enniskerry Road, Stepaside. 

“It will prove a great asset to the local community.

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Back in 2014, Minister Shane Ross praised the decision of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to purchase Fernhill.

“The people of this area of South Dublin desperately need a public park and I always believed that the historic estate needed to be protected from developers

? he stated at the time.

Commenting on the proposed development Independent councillor, Deirdre Donnelly, added:

“I was delighted to be present when the council acquired the house and gardens in 2015.

“I am very excited about the proposed design and development of the property. This amenity, once opened, will be a welcome addition to the county given its history and heritage, beautiful landscapes, walkways and much more.

“It will attract large numbers of visitors not just from Dún Laoghaire but from outside the county as well.

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