Plans for new mosque in Lucan industrial estate rejected after initial approval by council

Seán McCárthaigh

Plans for a new mosque and community centre in an industrial estate in Lucan have been rejected because such uses are not permitted under the zoning of the site.

An Coimisiún Pleanála upheld an appeal by the industrial estate’s management company (OMC) against the decision of South Dublin County Council to approve the change of use of two units in the Hills Industrial Estate on Lower Lucan Road in the west Dublin suburb.

A Muslim charity, Daare Arqam Trust, had sought permission for a change of use of the buildings, which includes a protected structure, to a mosque and community centre.

The trust received support for the proposal for the new facilities from over 100 Muslims living in the area.

However, the council’s decision was appealed by Hills Mills Management Company and a local resident.

The management company claimed the charity was seeking to control a large part of the industrial estate and segregate it “behind gates” in contravention of the South Dublin County Development Plan 2022-2028.

The units earmarked for the proposed mosque previously operated as a furniture shop and window showroom but have been vacant for almost five years.

The two-storey building, which lies adjacent to Lucan Bridge, contains a protected structure – Steward’s Crafts.

Outlining its ruling, An Coimisiún Pleanála said the lands were zoned to provide for enterprise and employment.

The Commission said community centres and places of worship were not normally permitted under such zoning and it was not satisfied that a relaxation of the zoning restrictions was “necessary or appropriate” in order to preserve and conserve the protected structure.

The Commission said it had not accepted the recommendation of its own planning inspector to permit the change of use of the buildings sought by Daare Arqam Trust.

It concluded that it had not been demonstrated that the long-term preservation and conservation of the Steward’s Craft building was contingent on the proposed change of use.

The Commission said the building would be equally protected by a use that was compatible with its zoning for enterprise and employment.

South Dublin County Council has received more than two dozen objections to the plans for a mosque from local residents and businesses who claimed it would create problems with traffic congestion and noise in the area.

While most opponents stated their support for the right to religious practice, many urged the charity to source an alternative, more suitable and appropriately zoned site for the mosque.

Consultants for the Daare Arqam Trust said the charity had identified a need in the area for a multi-functional space to include a place of worship due to the growing Muslim population in the community.

The charity currently rents facilities in west Dublin on an hourly basis, but wanted a more permanent location for a new mosque, community centre and sports facility in a highly accessible location close to Lucan village, which had ample parking.

The charity’s consultants acknowledged that the change of use sought was not permitted under the current zoning but noted that a sports facility was “open to consideration.”

They pointed out that there was already another place of worship – the Gospel Baptist Church – within the industrial estate which they argued had set a precedent for such a use.

As there would be no alcohol, music or dancing at the facility, they maintained there would be no anti-social activities, sound pollution or disturbance to neighbours.

They claimed the development might have a positive impact on the existing businesses within the industrial estate through increased activity and footfall, as up to 40 persons would be visiting the proposed facility at any one time.

The charity also pointed out that the South Dublin County Development Plan 2022-2028 contains objectives to support alternative uses for protected structures as well as to support the development of places of worship and multi-faith facilities.

The Daare Arqam Trust secured planning permission last year for a change of use of adjoining units in the Hills Industrial Estate to establish a wholesale outlet and local shop.

It received support from Dublin Mid-West TD, Paul Gogarty, who said he regularly received complaints about houses being used as places of worship.

“Housing estates are not suitable for such purposes, which is why proper, adequate places of worship need to be approved,” he added.

However, Mr Gogarty acknowledged that there was an issue with a lack of parking in the area.

Independent Ireland councillor, Linda de Courcy, raised concerns about the proposal and its effect on Lucan village as she believed it was an unsuitable location for a place of worship or community centre.

Ms de Courcy observed the charity had already claimed on its website as far back as 2023 that the other units earmarked for a wholesale outlet and local shop would be used as a mosque.

She claimed that it had been operating a mosque out of another premises in Lucan without authorisation after it had been refused planning permission.

Hills Mills Management Company claimed the charity never intended operating just a wholesale outlet and shop at the location and accused it of “project splitting” with the intention of creating “a gated place of worship.”

It also warned that the proposed change of use would create traffic congestion and noise as well as impacting on the development potential of the industrial estate and depreciating property values.

The company also claimed the proposed 84 hours that the mosque would be open each week was “excessive.”