A residents association representing people living near the RDS in Ballsbridge, Dublin has strongly objected to plans for a new Anglesea Road stand at the showgrounds.
The RDS has lodged plans seeking to increase crowd capacity in the main arena from 18,500 to 21,000, mainly to cater for Leinster rugby games.
However, the Anglesea Road Residents Association has objected, saying residents experience daily disruption from the 400-plus events held annually at the RDS.
Its secretary, Tim Hennessy, told Dublin City Council: "This number has increased exponentially in the last number of years with access and parking now becoming unbearable obstacles to residents."
He said the presence of Leinster rugby had been particularly disruptive to residents, with large numbers of families attending matches and seeking parking locally.
“When added to the congestion created by the Aviva stadium, Anglesea Road residents have had enough and would suggest that Leinster Rugby be located to a more suitable ground with proper parking facilities provided for families and not adjacent to the other main stadium, Aviva.”
He said that during most events in the RDS, “residents are unable to park in the vicinity of their properties. This seriously impinges on residents particularly those with small children or disabilities.”
Local residents who spoke to The Irish Times said traffic, noise and rubbish in the area was "constant" during RDS events, while at weekends "you have to plan not to use your car, or you won't get a parking space when you get back".
Dr Mona McGarry, an Angelsea Road resident, said there was “constant encroachment on our lives” by the RDS.
“There are constantly events, sometimes up to four at a time, and usually commercial events. The RDS is a cultural organisation, with all the privileges that entails. They show a total disregard for the residents. They don’t provide the parking for all those who come to the events, they don’t provide enough security and they don’t clean up the rubbish, bottles and glasses that are left behind. It’s constant harassment from traffic. Residential life is gone here at the weekends.”
An elderly gentleman living in the area described the planned expansion as “scandalous”.
A woman at home with young children said increased traffic “will be a problem” but added “in the great scheme of things, we’re all alive. It could be worse.”
Another woman, whose children are grown up, said traffic had always been a problem on the road, especially for families with young children. “We’ve lived her 30 years and we have seen it get busier at the RDS, but we’re very fortunate to live here. We enjoy having such easy access to the RDS so I’d find it very hard to be negative.” .
The plans involve the demolition of the existing 1930s Anglesea Stand and its replacement with a new stand and hospitality areas, including corporate dining facilities.
The RDS first opened its doors to rugby union in October 2005 and the venue became the official home of Leinster in the 2007-08 season when the province signed a 20-year lease with the RDS.
In a submission in support of the application, chief executive of the Irish Rugby Football Union Philip Browne said the redeveloped Anglesea Stand would enhance and rejuvenate the stand which was no longer compatible with visitor expectations.
