Couple in south Kildare object to planned mosque 70km away

A couple in south Kildare have lodged objections to a planning application for an Islamic Centre in Kilkenny - over 70km away.

The objectors say they're opposed to that construction of the facility on the grounds of “excessive traffic” and “noise pollution to neighbouring houses”.

They also said that “the quality of life will be severely impacted to people living near by”.

The proposed development in the Hebron Industrial Estate will consist of a mosque, a community hall, a library, residential accommodation, a Halal shop and a community cafe.

Kilkenny Imam, Ibrahim Ndure said people have every right to voice their opposition but he said to peddle misinformation is wrong.

He invited people to an open day at the Kilkenny Islamic Centre in a rented building on the Freshford Road in the city.

A decision from the county council's planners is due by May 10th.

The number of Muslims living in Ireland has more than trebled in the past 15 years.

According to the 2011 Irish census, there were 49,204 Muslims here, representing a 51% increase over the figures for the 2006 census.

And at the time of the 2016 Census the number of Muslims had increased from 49,000 to 63,000, an increase of 29%.

Meanwhile a Co Tipperary man who submitted an objection to the application with Kilkenny County Council gave an address 78km away from the industrial estate where the mosque would be built.

In his submission, he said: “The Islamic call to prayer runs five times a day ...and this is an imposition…"