DEVELOPER Sean Dunne will learn this evening if he will be allowed to build a 32-storey apartment complex in leafy Dublin 4.
The Carlow businessman, who has spent almost €400m acquiring property in Ballsbridge, is awaiting a vote from Dublin city councillors tonight which could scupper his plans to build a series of high-rise buildings in the affluent suburb. Last month it was decided to reject plans to allow high-rises in the area, but officials are keen to allow some buildings go-ahead based on their individual merits.
Tonight, a full council meeting will vote on a motion which proposes that zoning changes in the area - which would allow skyscrapers be constructed - should be scrapped as they would facilitate the over-development of Ballsbridge. The motion also calls for a draft plan for the area - which would act as blueprint for future development - to be revisited as it fails to recognise the 'character and conservation status' of the area.
Opposition
Mr Dunne's plans for the Jury's site have been met with stiff opposition from local residents, who have accused the city council of putting developers before people.
Over 1,000 people have put forward a joint submission saying that rezoning would turn the area into a high-rise nightmare.
Some councillors are expected to recommend that the local area plan be scrapped, and individual applications made for different buildings under the general city plan.
This would mean that developers, including Mr Dunne, would have to file a series of planning applications for any buildings higher, or of greater density than, those generally allowed in the capital.
However, a report sent out by assistant city manager Michael Stubbs to councillors backs the rezoning of sites to allow mixed-use development including new offices, shops and homes.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
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