Discussions under way on church car park changes

Discussions between Kilcullen Parish, the Dublin Diocese and developer Scotpark could result in a properly lined and lit church car park of the same size as the current one, as well as a new house for the priests, writes Brian Byrne.

In return, the developer — who is currently building houses in a former field adjacent to the car park — would get further land to build a number of extra homes.

A spokesman for the Parish Finance Committee told the Diary that the proposal under discussion would extend the car park closer to the church, taking in the area in front of the current Parochial House. What is now the south end of the car park would become available for new houses, one of which would be for the priests.

"Nothing has been decided yet, we're just at the discussion stage," says Liam McDonnell, describing the idea as a 'one-time opportunity' for the parish to gain a proper car park, and provide modern living accommodation for the priests. "If we don't do this now, and the developer finishes his current work and leaves, the chance is gone for good."

He notes that the existing Parochial House is no longer fit for purpose, but emphasises that there is no intention of demolishing the building. It can be converted to another use, such as parish offices. It was built around 1870 and is listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage as being of 'social and historic significance'.

The ideas under discussion include lowering the wall along the front of the car park, opening it up to view and providing greater security. There are no plans to charge for parking, Liam McDonnell adds.

The proposal would also upgrade the services to the church, including bringing a gas supply to the property. This would be used to affordably heat what is acknowledged as an uncomfortably cold building during the winter months as well as the Parish Centre.

"Neither the Parish nor the Diocese has any money to do these things, so we have to come up with a proposal that makes it worth the developer's while to get involved. Hopefully we'll have a completed proposal in the new year which we can then advance to a planning application."

Scotpark's current housing scheme includes the provision of a single common entrance to the development and the car park, with the Parish being given a permanent right of way for access.

One aspect of the new proposal is likely to exercise some local discussion — where to move the statue that has for many decades been the centrepiece of the lawn area in front of the Parochial House.