Apurva Charity: Our Journey So Far
Established in 2018, Apurva Charity set out with a clear mission: to acquire land for building a traditional Hindu Temple and community center. Achieving charity status involved navigating a rigorous process governed by the Charity Regulator in Ireland, essential for our future endeavors.
In 2019, our team identified and purchased a 1-acre plot in Ratoath, believing it suitable for temple construction. However, we soon learned that temple construction requires CI zoning, and Meath County Council would not grant planning permission. We wisely redirected our efforts to Fingal.
Fingal connected us with a local agent to collaborate with other religious groups on a master plan. We hired an architect, marking our first expenditure, with all parties contributing to the cost. Then, COVID-19 struck in 2020, and Fingal informed us that the only CI-zoned land was reserved for public infrastructure like schools and hospitals, setting us back to square one.
Undeterred, in 2021, we engaged with a builder through local councillors. He proposed a joint venture for a nursing home and temple in Waterville. Fingal approved the temple but rejected the nursing home, returning us to square one again.
In 2022, we sold the Ratoath land, recouping our initial investment, and safeguarded the funds in Apurva's bank account. Our team is meticulous with finances, ensuring every euro is dedicated to acquiring temple land. Another proposal with a firm through a local agent also stalled, bringing us back to square one.
In early 2023, our core team decided to work directly with Fingal County Council. We presented a solid proposal and, with the help of local councillors, met with Fingal's CEO, marking our first breakthrough. After persistent meetings and follow-ups, Fingal County Council allocated land to Apurva Charity in 2024. We secured a 50% abatement from the minister to ensure the best value for our community.
On March 10th, 2025, Fingal County Council formally passed a resolution allocating the land to Apurva Charity, marking the beginning of our vey Hindu Temple dream into a reality. Throughout this journey, we maintained constant communication with Fingal County Council and local councillors. Being based in Dublin 15, Fingal's inclusive and supportive stance towards local communities has been advantageous. We have built strong professional relationships with current and past councillors and local TDs, who recognise Apurva's dedication to securing land for the community. Even at the last hour before the land disposal meeting, our team worked tirelessly, reaching out to councillors to gather support and address last-minute blockers.
The unwavering dedication of our team and the support of Fingal County Council and its councillors culminated in the successful passing of the motion on March 10th, 2025, with 28 councillors voting in favor of Apurva Charity. Now, we have the opportunity to realise this dream. Together, let's build the first Hindu Temple in this Emerald Isle. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Apūrva Charity
Dublin, Ireland