An online petition calling on Irish Water to make land surrounding Stillorgan Reservoir available to the public after redevelopment has accumulated over 650 signatures.
Earlier this year it was revealed that Irish Water would not make the land available for public use despite Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council granting planning permission on the basis of this condition. An Bord Pleanala later repealed the decision after Irish Water filed an objection with the planning authority.
Ever since planning permission was granted by ABP, local residents and Sandyford Business District have campaigned for the lands to have public access.
Stillorgan Fine Gael councillor, John Kennedy said that he “expect this movement to gain more traction as the visibility of the progress of works at the reservoir becomes more evident, especially in relation to young families living in nearby apartments looking down upon the green space under lock and key.”
“I would suggest that Irish Water should give active consideration – as a goodwill gesture – to permit public access to this green space at least until the year 2030, in keeping with the original intended spirit of the Sandyford Urban Framework Plan.
“I would expect that Irish Water are looking primarily at the long-term potential of future reservoir development beyond 2030 from a national infrastructure overview but a more localised consideration from their perspective would be warranted.”
Fianna Fail councillor for the area, Donal Smith also says he would like to see the site opened up to the public.
“I strongly support public access to this parkland (when developed) and applaud all efforts to achieve that.
“It is ludicrous that the public won’t have access to 15 acres of parkland in Stillorgan.
“This parkland could also provide playing facilities for overstretched local sports clubs. The excuses given by Irish Water to deny public access just don’t hold water.
“Irish Water should be prevailed upon by The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy to provide public access once the reservoir works are completed.”
