Residents in Ballyboden, south Dublin, have intensified their campaign over what they allege is a "blatant and bewildering" failure by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) to act on an enforcement notice served on the owners of Rosebank House.

The council issued the notice in early summer 2025, yet locals say construction activity has continued at the site, prompting growing concern in the area.

Rosebank House, a period property in Rathfarnham, includes features described by residents as protected, such as a gothic entrance, parts of an old wall and railings. Campaigners claim ongoing works are unauthorised, citing correspondence they say confirms planning permission is required. They also warn of potential pollution risks to the EU-protected Owendoher River catchment, report several mature trees have been felled, and say heavy vehicles have damaged a narrow bridge.

Local historian and Aontú member John Phelan said: "The longer this situation goes on the more mystifying and frustrating it becomes.

"The fact is that SDCC is ignoring its own enforcement order by allowing these works to continue. It is as simple and as staggering as that.

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"SDCC has confirmed in writing to a resident that the ongoing works were unauthorised and required planning permission.

"Parts of the grounds are protected structures including the gothic entrance and part of the old wall and railings but damage is being caused in several areas of the grounds and environs. The Owendoher River is an EU protected river catchment, and residents are worried about it being polluted.

"Several mature trees have been felled.

"The old narrow bridge has already been damaged by the ongoing works and the heavy construction traffic. Is SDCC going to wait before even more damage is caused before it acts on its own legal order.

"What is the point of the local authority issuing a directive to the developers to stop the works and then letting them carry on carte blanche.

"It doesn't make sense on any level, and it is setting a terrible precedent. It seriously undermines local planning laws.

"How can SDCC possibly have any authority over future developments?

"The silence of elected reps has been quite striking and once again it is left to residents to stand up and fight against this.

"We are holding a public meeting on Friday 30th January in Ballyboden Community Centre to make it clear to SDCC that we want answers to this , we abide by the rule of law and we want SDCC to explain just why it is standing back and ignoring its very own legal order."

Locals said the site is linked to the owner of a controversial IPAS centre and is understood to be intended for homeless accommodation. A recent public meeting heard claims that the owners were effectively ignoring the council's directive, with residents warning this could set a wider precedent.

Company filings show Rosebank House was purchased in 2023 by Sinnulis Limited, managed by businessman Ronan Holbrook. The article states he also owns the company behind Ryevale House in Leixlip, where an IPAS centre has operated for almost three years, "despite numerous planning violation". It further said Holbrook's firm Me Libérer Limited has received more than €7.3 million since spring 2023, and that two other companies he owns or directs have received a further €7 million since late last year for managing IPAS centres across multiple locations.