Planning Reference P82024.10           Barnhall, Leixlip, Co. Kildare

I am the allotment tenant holder of Plot No. 75 (b) at the Wonderful Barn site.

The following are the problems I see with the line on the Planning which says:

“Redevelopment of the current 55 no. allotments to realign the plots within the restored historical landscape axes.”

1.      There are 79 allotments on the official site layout drawing given to me by Kildare Co. Council.  Which of the allotments are to be realigned?  Will the remaining 27 be left in place?

2.      The proposed realignment area in the Walled Garden is much smaller than the current location of the allotments.  Also there is a very beautiful historic apple tree in that location which would cast its shadow over all the allotments within its reach.  Also there would be the danger that the roots of the apple tree would be damaged by allotment holders digging in that entire area.

3.      On the Planning drawing have they allowed space for water taps, a supply of farmyard manure and compounds for disposal of green waste and all within a minimum walking distance for the holders to access?

4.      Do the Planners realize how difficult it would be to uproot fruit trees, vegetables and shrubs and flowers?  Most people hate uprooting themselves and definitely plants and vegetable struggle and probably die when moved to a new location.

The improved facilities mentioned for the allotment users will be very welcome and I would be willing to pay an additional fee to use those facilities.

I suggest that a very limited number of new allotments could be installed on the southern end of the walled garden.  That the current allotment area be kept as it is and that all vacant  abandoned allotments be restored and advertised to new tenants.  While working on my plot I have met many people who are more than willing to take a plot if offered.

Yours sincerely,

Pauline Darcy