A planning row has broken out after a sports governing body claimed plans by a south Dublin rugby club to develop padel courts would result in the loss of facilities that have been enjoyed by a local squash club for over 60 years. Squash Ireland has lodged an appeal with An Coimisiún Pleanála against the recent decision by Dublin City Council to grant planning permission to Old Belvedere Rugby Football Club for alterations to facilities at its clubhouse off Anglesea Road in Ballsbridge. The rugby club wants to demolish part of the existing clubhouse in order to construct three new indoor padel courts as a measure to secure the long-term future of the rugby club. Part of the facilities earmarked for demolition include squash courts used by Old Belvedere Squash Club which has been in operation continuously at the Anglesea Road grounds since 1962. The squash club’s committee has also separately appealed the council’s ruling. However, the chairman of Old Belvedere RFC, James McCarthy, said the squash courts were “a financial drain” as they did not even cover the costs of operating the facility. Mr McCarthy said they were no longer a viable option for the rugby club and it had decided that the development of padel courts would provide it with an opportunity to secure its long-term viability following a strategic review. He claimed padel was one of the fastest growing sports globally including in Ireland where there was increasing demand but limited infrastructure. Mr McCarthy argued that squash, in contrast, was a minority sport that has seen a significant decline in participation levels in recent years with less than 50 active players in the Old Belvedere club. He estimated the use of the squash courts in Anglesea Road were at “less than 20% capacity” while he predicted padel courts would be in use “closer to 80%.” Mr McCarthy claimed the development of the padel courts was a critical part of its strategy “to future-proof” the rugby club at a time it was facing serious financial pressures. He also said the building containing the squash courts contained significant asbestos-related hazards. The rugby club noted that Old Belvedere Squash Club had rejected the generous offer of the private sponsor of the padel project to include one squash court in the proposed development. “It is deeply regrettable that a small number of squash members appear willing to jeopardise this much-needed project…in pursuit of preserving an unsustainable status quo,” said Mr McCarthy. However, Squash Ireland said it was extremely concerned at the council’s decision to grant planning permission for the development. The governing body of squash in Ireland claimed it would result in “the demolition of a long-established successful squash club with no provision for replacement of the facilities or equivalent.” The president of Squash Ireland, Rosie Berry, claimed the decision was contrary to the council’s own established policy contained in the Dublin City Development Plan of 2022-2028 which seeks “to protect existing and established sport and recreation facilities” unless there was clear evidence that there was no long-term need for a facility. Dublin City Council acknowledged that members of the squash club were disappointed that no agreement could be reached with Old Belvedere RFC about the future provision of squash facilities within the grounds but said it appeared that the proposed development would not contravene its policies in relation to the protection of existing sports facilities. Ms Berry said such a finding had been presented by the council “without detailed justification.” “There is no evidence to suggest a lack of long-term need for these facilities,” she added. Squash Ireland also pointed out that there is no proposal by Old Belvedere RFC to provide any replacement squash facilities. It claimed the rugby club had rejected a fully costed revised proposal prepared by Old Belvedere Squash Club that would have incorporated both squash and padel facilities. Ms Berry also stressed that the padel courts were not an adequate replacement for the existing squash courts as both sports were distinct with different participation levels, skill requirements and community bases. “The introduction of padel should not come at the expense of a well-established and successful squash club,” said Ms Berry. While Squash Ireland fully supported the development of padel courts on the rugby club’s grounds, Ms Berry said such support could not be provided “in all good conscience” if it was “at the expense of a much-loved squash club facility.” The captain of Old Belvedere Squash Club, Justin O’Doherty, said the proposed development was “a gross and unnecessary act which offers no alternative plan for the continuance of the existence of our squash club.” He claimed the club was “a thriving success story” which boasted over 100 members. Mr O’Doherty said the council’s assessment of the rugby club’s planning application was “fundamentally remiss.” A ruling on the appeals is expected in early December.