Access to Murphy’s Rock cut off over concerns about anti-social behaviour

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has installed several gates to cut off public access to Murphy’s Rock after it acquired the lands from the Industrial Development Agency earlier this year.

An LDA spokesperson said that it had taken proactive steps to secure the site and ensure its safe and appropriate management in response to a number of unauthorised activities, including the placement of horses and the use of scrambler motorcycles.

Members of the public had been in touch with concerns about the welfare of the horses, damage to adjoining properties, noise, and anti-social behaviour, activities the LDA says give rise to significant health and safety concerns.

The spokesperson continued: “The Kilbarry lands are not currently suitable for unrestricted public access owing to challenging ground conditions and topography. There are no formal access routes, pathways or supporting infrastructure within the site,” they said.

They added that the LDA intends to bring forward proposals for public consultation early next year, which will include “meaningful engagement and consultation” with locals.

“The proposals will include formalised public access and a park along the western end of the site. They will also provide wider public open space, play areas, recreational facilities and wider community infrastructure,” 

they said.

Joan Lewis, neighbour of and longtime advocate for Murphy’s Rock, said that though many entrances had been blocked off with large gates, the green area could still be accessed from other spots.

Trish O’Mahony, another local advocate, said they had “huge concerns” that the access would be completely taken away.

“There’s people walking here hundreds of years. I know the LDA own the land now but it’s not developed,” she said.

They are both concerned about the impact of the housing plans on the wide array of wildlife, and expressed concern that the promised LDA park facility would be “overdeveloped” compared to the area’s current natural state.

Green Party councillor Oliver Moran, to whom the LDA statement was provided, said that the community is clear on a vision of a “wilder place” which safeguards access to the riverside and the ecology.

He added that there was a huge amount of housing development in the area, which “can’t be without meaningful amenity spaces, and access to nature and play”.