Neighbours Mount Legal Challenge Against ‘Private Aviva’
Signs on residents’ gates at Kenilworth Square protest against the plans for a new synthetic playing field. Photo: Frank McGrath
Ah, Dublin! A city where the Guinness flows as freely as the creative protests from its residents. In what can only be described as a classic case of “Not in my backyard!” the fine folks of Kenilworth Square have banded together to raise a staggering €60,000. No, not for a new pub or an extravagant street party, but to fund a legal challenge against the redevelopment plans of their cherished square. The gall! Imagine raising that much cash to stop a synthetic pitch from ruining your daily dose of passive-aggressive lawn envy!
So, what’s the hubbub, you ask? The proposed transformation of the private square, owned by none other than the fee-paying St Mary’s College, aims to introduce a new synthetic pitch for rugby and other sports. However, the residents are up in arms—claiming that this high-tech turf will threaten the environment. Right! We wouldn’t want to disturb the delicate ecosystem of, uh, the occasional pigeon and overhanging branches, would we?
Keen to protect their Victorian red-bricked homes—88 of them, no less—these community members (and amateur environmentalists) are defending their turf with fervor. And let’s be clear, these aren’t just any homes; they are the kind of residences that make you contemplate a life of serious commitment… like a dog or a series of energy-efficient lightbulbs! And now they could be swapped for the sound of roaring kids, boot-clad parents yelling ‘DEFENSE!’, and the faint waft of burnt sausages.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see why there’s fear in their eyes. You bring in a synthetic pitch, and suddenly you’ve invited a whole new level of commotion. Remember, these poor souls might already be used to a cocktail of noise from soccer moms, overzealous whistleblowers, and the occasional rugby dad showcasing his “power moves.” Who needs that Guinness-fueled peace and quiet?
While a soft patch of grass might have sufficed for a casual kickabout, this new synthetic pitch promises to be the crème de la crème of playing surfaces. And who doesn’t want that? Until, of course, you realize that a synthetic pitch tends to boast a few friendlier features for certain “irritating” flora and fauna—like, say, a sea of soccer balls bouncing around the neighborhood like a game of pinball.
Despite their love for the local space, the community’s legal action has sparked a wider debate. There’s something strangely poetic about a community banding together over a patch of synthetic grass, isn’t there? It seems so… Irish. And it’s the kind of grassroots activism (pun intended) that leaves one wondering how many other neighbourhood disputes could use a healthy dose of fundraising and legal challenges—like that guy who parks in front of your house and claims it’s ‘just for a minute.’
So, will this legal pressure lead to a retraction of the synthetic pitch plans, or will Kenilworth Square soon become the epicenter of Dublin’s sporting life? One thing is for sure: the stakes are high, and so are the laughs. If you thought the protests were intense now, just wait until the rubber meets the road! Or should I say field?
Neighbours mount legal challenge claiming ‘private Aviva’ will damage environment
Signs on residents’ gates at Kenilworth Square protest against the plans for a new synthetic playing field. Photo: Frank McGrath
A determined south Dublin community has successfully raised over €60,000 to mount a legal challenge against the proposed redevelopment of a private square owned by St Mary’s College. This redevelopment aims to introduce a new synthetic pitch intended for rugby and various other sports activities.
The neighborhood’s overwhelming resistance has been driven by the unveiling of plans for Kenilworth Square, a three-hectare site nestled in Dublin 6. This Victorian-era square features 88 historical red-bricked houses, creating a picturesque yet contentious backdrop for the impending changes.