A lovely Oriental design... but far too ‘in your face’ for Kilkenny
MOST objections lodged against the mosque relate to the height of the proposed structure. Others say it will overlook a Christian cemetery, lead to more noise and create extra traffic. But some insisted Ireland was a ‘Christian country’:
GRAVEYARD
A number of complaints related to the mosque overlooking the nearby graveyard, with one resident saying it would ‘infringe on the privacy of the people in the graveyard’. One complainant from Kilkenny wrote that, given its ‘proximity to St Kieran’s Cemetery, religious sensitivity to the presence of a mosque of this size is deeply offensive to the families of those interred there’.
FAMINE SITE
One complainant, with an address in London, objected on the basis that it could contain remains of Famine victims and excavation work should be carried out first.
CALL TO PRAYER
There were several complaints in relation to the Muslim call to prayer, with locals concerned about noise pollution. However, as is the case in all mosques in Ireland, there would be no call to prayer at the mosque.
APPEARANCE
One complainant wrote that while the proposed mosque ‘is quite a lovely building, very Islamic and Oriental in appearance’, it would be ‘very much more suitable to a site in the Middle and/or Far East but NOT Kilkenny or within the environs of any Irish city. I make this statement based entirely on its design which is absolutely not in keeping with any of our architecture. Quite frankly I cannot think what the architects thought they were doing trying to get a design like this passed in a medieval city like Kilkenny! It is what one might expect to see in Dubai or Damascus. I do not object to the Muslims among us having a place of worship – all faiths should have same – but not a design that is so much “in your face”. Many people will be offended if they have to view this structure on a constant basis…. We need to be careful.’
DEVALUATION OF PROPERTY
Another objector wrote: ‘While we welcome people of other nations, we must remember that Ireland is a Christian country and should remain so. We expect visitors and immigrants who settle here to respect our culture and laws.. Devaluation of property in the area will be inevitable. It is expected that tourism to Kilkenny will be avoided.’ Another objector feared the prospect of a ‘Muslim village’ and raised issues of ‘frightening head attire.’