Cathal BarryThe Administrator of a well-known Dublin parish has refused to comment on plans that would see a large green space on the church grounds levelled to make way for a car park.
Just weeks after the launch of Pope Francis’ encyclical calling on Catholics to show more care for the environment, Msgr Lorcan O’Brien of Donnybrook Parish published proposals which would see the church’s leafy side garden bulldozed.
Parishioners have expressed concern to The Irish Catholic that a popular Marian shrine in the garden may be knocked down as part of the plans and questioned whether the intention was for the proposed car park to become a revenue scheme given the many businesses with limited parking nearby.
Concepts
When contacted by The Irish Catholic Msgr O’Brien initially agreed to a briefing on what he described as the “concepts” that he was proposing. However, he then refused to answer any questions about the plans.
The parish, in one of Dublin’s wealthiest suburbs, aims to raise €2.5million to implement the plans and has already received in excess of €1.75m. It is now asking 130 families in the parish to consider a pledge of €100-a-month for five years, totalling €6000, to make up the shortfall.
According to the proposals, increasing the number of on-site parking spaces is a key part of the parish’s future development plans. It is understood that the proposals will see the number of car parking spaces double should the plans be accepted by planners and implemented.
The plans also include proposals for two new vehicular entrances, one to the side and another to the rear of the church.
The proposals, which are being financed as part of the ‘Living the Joy of the Gospel’ initiative, have not yet been submitted for approval but are posted on the walls of the church.
The ‘Living the Joy of the Gospel’ fundraising campaign has provoked controversy in some parishes. Some callers to RTÉ’s Liveline programme recently complained about feeling “targeted” for diocesan fundraising.