Cllr. Kieran Binchy has submitted the following observation on planning application 3096/12 for the development of the Irish Jewish Museum at 3-7 Walworth Road, Portobello. For more information see the debate at the South East Committee’s monthly meeting here.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I would like to make some observations in my capacity as a Councillor for the Portobello area on the proposal to demolish a number of buildings at 3-7 Walworth Road, Dublin 8 and at Kingsland Parade, Dublin 8 in order to build an enlarged and modernised Irish Jewish Museum.
I support the continued existence and the development of the Irish Jewish Museum within what was historically the Jewish quarter of the city, but this current proposal is too large and bulky for the site, and is completely unsuitable for a residential conservation area.
I would like to raise a number of objections which I would have to this proposal:
· The sheer size and scale of the development is completely unsuitable for a row of terraced houses in a residential conservation area
· The development risks overlooking and overshadowing neighbouring houses and gardens.
· The increase in visitors and traffic will put further pressure on already scarce parking in the area, and will disturb this essentially residential neighbourhood.
· There is no provision made for the parking of coaches, which will in and of themselves add further to the disturbance of this residential area as well as causing parking problems.
· The excavation of an additional storey into the ground will add a dangerous precedent for development in inner city terraces.
· The plans are unclear as the height and bulk of plant on the roof, which again might overshadow neighbouring properties.
The Irish Jewish Museum is a valuable asset to the city and an important historical and cultural site, but it has to be sensitive to the fact that it is situated in a settled residential community. For the above reasons, I am supporting the local residents and am objecting to this proposal on the basis that it is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Yours faithfully,
Cllr. Kieran Binchy
Fine Gael
South East Inner City
(087) 177 4365
kieran.binchy@dublincity.ie
91, The Windmill,
Lime St,
Dublin 2