A host of residents have lined up to oppose property developer Sean Dunne's controversial 37-storey tower in the heart of Ballsbridge, in Dublin, claiming it will "destroy" the affluent suburb.
Progressive Democrat founder Des O'Malley, who lives on Merrion Road, fired the opening shots as a public hearing by An Bord Pleanala got under way in Croke Park, in Dublin, yesterday.
He said the architects responsible "completely ignored" the city development plan when they drew up plans for the ambitious €1bn development.
The former government minister said the office and residential blocks will completely dwarf Lansdowne Road and all the homes around it.
"The sheer scale, in terms of height and density . . . will be entirely detrimental to that area. It would be a sad day for Dublin if one of its most attractive inner suburbs is destroyed in the way laid out here," he added.
Billionaire businessman Dermot Desmond has also made a submission opposing the high-rise development, while those in support include broadcaster Bill O'Herlihy and Gate Theatre director Michael Colgan.
Mr Dunne paid €380m, or over €50m an acre, for the Jurys/Berkeley Court site in 2005. It is understood that the centrepiece tower, which has been rejected by Dublin City Council, is needed, if the project is to be viable.
The council granted planning permission for a large part of the project on the seven-acre site. However, the jewel in the crown -- a 37-storey tower -- was refused in a split decision. Mr Dunne is calling on the board to reinstate the tower at its full height.
Paul Walsh, whose home on Pembroke Road lies just 100 yards from the proposed development, dismissed the tower as "a massive bent erection".
"It is so awful and so incongruous that even Dublin City Council, with their assiduous collection of building levies, rejected it," he added.
Ulrik Raysse, the Danish architect responsible for the design, described the tower as the "spice in the dish" which would help in the "rejuvenation of Ballsbridge".
He added that historic cities like Dublin run the danger of becoming nothing more than museums, and that landmark developments are needed to ensure that a city is ready for the future.
He said the tower would point out a new urban quarter and "has a discussion with the whole of the city".
Architect Ian Ritchie, who was a member of the international jury which selected the winning design, said the tower will dominate the local and neighbourhood skyline and is an appropriate height for its location and for the scheme as a whole.
"Because there have been many recent proposals for tall buildings in Dublin, the public has become concerned that high-rise buildings may appear all over the city. Clearly this should not happen," he added.
Meanwhile, town planner Tom Phillips, who represented 44 individuals in favour of the project, argued that there was no planning justification for refusing the tower and that the development would provide a much-needed jobs boost.
He said that up to 1,650 construction jobs would be created, with another 5,014 jobs once it is built.
The hearing continues.
Breda Heffernan
Irish Independent
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