Walls, Walls, Everywhere (but Not a Care in the World)!
As the old Irish saying goes, "bless the road that brings us to where we are going." And, indeed, the road to development can be a winding one, with many twists and turns. But, at times, it seems like the only constant is the sound of walls being knocked down!
Take, for example, the recent planning application submitted to Kildare County Council for a site in Naas. This particular spot has garnered attention in the past, when a certain section of a wall adjacent to a historic house was, shall we say, "temporarily relocated" (or, if you will, "removed" with a certain air of furtiveness). And now, the applicant is seeking permission to demolish the remaining boundary walls on the grounds of "structural failings." Ah, yes, the old "it’s-a-bad-egg" argument!
Now, we’re not questioning the structural integrity of the walls (too much, anyway). However, we do find it intriguing that the applicant is trying to spin this as a grand plan to improve the site’s usability and accessibility. After all, who wouldn’t want to live in a house with non-structural walls and a few dodgy-looking corners? It’s like they say: "a good wall is like a good joke – it’s all about the punchline!"
But, in all seriousness, the story raises important questions about the importance of preserving our heritage and respect for the built environment. I mean, who needs ancient stones when you can have… um, modern flat-pack fencing? Honestly, it’s a bit like the difference between a fine Irish whiskey and a cheap pint from the local pub – sure, one might get the job done, but where’s the charm in that?
Now, we’re not here to disparage the good people at Kildare County Council, who, undoubtedly, are faced with the unenviable task of navigating the minefield that is planning and development. It’s a tough job, especially when the applicants seem to think that the words "heritage" and "character" are just fancy buzzwords for "pain in the neck."
In fact, the whole affair has left us wondering: what’s the real story behind this particular wall’s untimely demise? Was it a case of "accidental" demolition, or did someone simply decide that the view from the other side was, well, too good to pass up? We’re imagining a late-night meeting between sinister developers, a cup of cold coffee, and a whispered plot to take down the neighbors (wink, wink).
In the end, we can only hope that the council has a keen eye on this application, and that the historic house in question is preserved for future generations to, you know, laugh at the absurdity of it all. After all, as the great Irish philosopher, Oscar Wilde, once said, "to love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." And what’s a better way to start a romance than with a nice, sturdy wall to gaze lovingly at?
So, as we watch the drama unfold, we can’t help but wonder what other unexpected twists are in store for the planning world. Will the council come out swinging, or will the developers get their way? One thing’s for sure – we’re in for a wild ride!
