A DUBLIN SCHOOL has been granted planning permission to build an air supported sports dome.

Our Lady’s in Templeogue had been refused permission by South Dublin County Council, but last week won an appeal to An Bord Pleanala for the facility.

The Síol Schools Trust lodged the appeal after the plan for the dome, along with fan units, internal lighting, a drainage scheme, paths and electrical infrastructure was refused.

The original application was objected to 21 times by local residents, who voiced concerns over parking, traffic, visual amenity and noise. South Dublin County Council denied planning permission due to the “height, mass, scale, location, hours of use and light emanating from the proposed internally lit dome”.

The Trust updated the application and applied to An Bord Pleanala for permission.

According to the application:

“The dome will accommodate two internal playing areas in addition to changing rooms, seminar rooms, toilets and storage area. Part of the facility will include a hardwood floor to facilitate sports such as basketball. The remainder will comprise artificial grass carpet suitable for sports such as GAA, soccer and rugby.

“The interior of the dome will be illuminated by a number of LED/HED lights with a maximum lux of 300. No external lighting is proposed.”

The school foresees the dome “significantly upgrading” PE classes.

“In addition, it will be used by local clubs in the evening and weekends. The facility will be run by a non profit organisation known as Sportdome and the ownership of the facility will remain vested in the Siol Schools Trust. The life expectancy of the facility is 40 years.”

In its appeal, the school trust said the facility was “much-needed” and that it was “consistent with a large sports venue, an essential part of any school campus”.

In its decision, An Bord Pleanala gave the school the go-ahead to build the dome, subject to conditions.

These include the dome closing at 10pm, noise being limited and the Dodder Valley area close to construction being marked a “sensitive ecological zone” and being protected through the construction.