Tenant concerns remain a priority as new public park approved

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has approved plans for a new public park in Sandyford following assurances regarding tenant and business relocations

Add to preferred sources News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 15:57, 14 Oct 2026 View 2 Images Rendering of proposed Sandyford Civic Park (Image: Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council)

Sandyford is getting a new park as contentious plans for a central green to serve the community move forward.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has granted a Part 8 for the Sandyford Civic Park, which will be a major new public park in the heart of the Sandyford Business District. Located at the corner of Corrig Road and Carmanhall Road, the public consultation phase revealed concern around displacing tenants, businesses and services.

Out of 275 total submissions, 164 did not support the proposed plan and there was frustration among those affected that they hadn’t been properly considered. Councillors at the October monthly council meeting on Monday were given assurances that meetings with occupiers, tenants, and leaseholders had since been organised.

Director of Planning Paul Kennedy said they met with stakeholders individually and engagement is ongoing to resolve relocation concerns. “We’ve gone through all their concerns and we would like to keep them functioning and operating within the business park. We’re assisting where possible to do that, they all have slightly different needs,” he said.

Securing the future of Enable Ireland Adult Day Services, which currently operate from the site, was a major point of concern. Enable Ireland had previously outlined their stance on social media, issuing a statement highlighting their need for an alternative premise that is fully accessible and meets the needs of the people who attend.

“For service owners, this is about much more than moving building. The Sandyford service is part of their daily lives, friendships, routines and local community, with the added benefit of being close to the Luas and other transport links which support independence,” Enable Ireland previously stated.

“Any relocation could result in longer journeys, disruption to established routines and relationships, and additional challenges for families and carers.”

View 2 Images Enable Ireland Sandyford (Image: Councillor Oisín O’Connor)

Councillors welcomed the ongoing engagement, with several stating they would not have voted to grant Part 8 approval without it. Labour Cllr Lettie McCarthy said it would have been the first time she’d voted against a public park and thanked the council for deferring the approval until outstanding issues had been addressed.

Green Party Cllr Oisín O'Connor also said he was prepared to vote against Part 8 due to the lack of engagement with Enable Ireland and underrepresented tenants. He commended that the council management “stepped up and engaged” and believes the new park will become a central space for people in Sandyford .

He said people’s concerns have not yet been totally resolved, but that councillors will keep up the “pressure and scrutiny” needed to make sure “they are looked after”. Speaking further on the wider context to the Sandyford Civic Park, Cllr O’Connor said: “Safe green spaces to socialise and stay active are long overdue in this part of Sandyford. It’s simple: if we give approval for more apartment-building we need to secure the amenities and infrastructure to match. Official figures show that 4,730 homes were built in Glencullen-Sandyford in the past 10 years, the most of any area in Ireland and there are thousands more on the way it seems.

“I want to acknowledge the submissions from people who use the Enable Ireland adult day services, the Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu Gym and Yoga Lab who have very real concerns about the need to take down their building as part of delivering the park. They’re already the beating heart of the community and we have a long road ahead to support them in continuing their great contribution to Sandyford.

“I’ll be honest, my support for this project hinged on reassurances that they will be looked after. I've worked closely with all concerned so far and I’ll keep a close eye on this as the park progresses to make sure.”

Independent Cllr Kevin Daly welcomed the development of the park, but expressed concern the proposed works to reduce road width by six metres to make way for green space could be dangerous considering Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) accessing roads.

He said: “I can’t have it on my conscience if there’s going to be a child killed.” Council management gave assurance they will engage with their traffic division for further advice on proposed road reduction works.

A roll call vote saw Part 8 approved with a tally of 37 in favour. In the public consultation announcement, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council outlined details of the proposed park as follows:

“The proposed Sandyford Civic Park would be built at the corner of Corrig Road and Carmanhall Road, a site chosen for its central location, easy access to the Luas, and proximity to the area's growing residential population.

“The designs promise a green, tree-lined space with a large central lawn flexible enough for events, markets, or simply a stroll. A bandstand is planned for the northwest corner, at the busy junction of the two roads, which would serve as a landmark entrance feature for the park and a visual anchor for the wider Sandyford Central area.

“The southern end of the park is earmarked as the more active zone. An existing building on the site number 26 would be converted into a covered multi-use sports and recreation space. A dedicated children's play area would also be located nearby, with additional play features scattered throughout the park.

“Sustainable drainage, using natural systems to manage rainwater rather than pipes, is a central part of the design, as is extensive planting, including trees, ground cover, and lawn. Public toilets are also included in the plans, serving both park visitors and the wider public.

“The park is part of the council's Sandyford Urban Framework Plan 2022–2028, which envisages reducing road space along Corrig and Carmanhall Roads to make way for the expanded green area.”

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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