Mark Roden’s €3m Straffan Lodge Estate Gets Green Light For Tree House, But "Ha-Ha" Wall Refused

Thursday, 7 August 2025 10:28

By Martin Osborne

Most were approved, but a sunken “ha-ha” wall was refused, deemed out of character with the historic site.

An Coimisiún Pleanála has issued a split decision on unauthorised works at Mark Roden’s €3 million Kildare home, Straffan Lodge.

The tech entrepreneur’s firm sought retention for various additions to the protected structure.

Most were approved, but a sunken “ha-ha” wall was refused, deemed out of character with the historic site.

The Commission rejected the recommendation of its own inspector, who had advised granting retention for all the works, including the ha-ha wall.

It disagreed, ruling that the wall was visually obtrusive and that attempts to reduce its impact would further harm the historic grounds of Straffan Lodge.

Retention was granted for other works, including a large tree house, changes to access roads, and landscaping.

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