MINISTER FOR the Environment John Gormley is involved in a judicial review of An Bord Pleanála’s decision to approve part of the Galway city outer bypass.
The Department of the Environment has confirmed that the Attorney General will be handling the case on behalf of the Minister, who has become co-respondent in the proceedings issued by environmentalist Peter Sweetman against the State and An Bord Pleanála.
The proceedings are due to be heard in the High Court Commercial Court on June 30th next.
The case is one of two pending on the An Bord Pleanála decision to approve part of the €317 million road project. Environmental group Hands Across the Corrib Ltd, Ballinfoyle, Co Galway, claims that the November 28th, 2008, decision by An Bord Pleanála was based on a flawed environmental impact assessment.
The group also argues an “efficient, intelligent, public transport system” is a “very real alternative” to the proposed bypass and would serve commuters better.
The outer bypass was to have begun construction this year, with completion by 2012, and was identified as part of an “Atlantic road corridor” by former transport minister Martin Cullen. In its ruling last November, An Bord Pleanála turned down the western section of the bypass, citing “fundamental shortcomings” in this section’s design and layout, and the impact of such a development on Tonabrocky Bog’s slender cotton grass (Eriophorum gracile).
The bog cotton is a legally protected and vulnerable plant species. The appeals board also cited a failure to “fully evaluate” other routes in an area near housing at Pollkeen.
Reacting to the “half bypass” approval, several local councillors called for priority to be given to other transport solutions, including a proposed light rail system backed by business interests, known as Gluas.
However, business interests called on the National Roads Authority late last year to expedite work on the approved section and identify an alternative to the disallowed section west of the city.
The business and tourism transport grouping representing Galway Chamber of Commerce, American Chambers Western Branch, the Irish Hotels Federation, Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation (Ibec) West region, and the Information Technology Association Galway did welcome An Bord Pleanála’s approval of a new bridge over the river Corrib as part of the approved section.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Ministers to speak on Corrib pipeline
TWO MINISTERS face harsh criticism of the Government’s position on the Corrib gas project and the actions of Shell security staff when both attend a public meeting tonight in north Mayo.
Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan and Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív have accepted an invitation from four Mayo groups to address the local Erris community at the “open meeting” in Inver community hall.
The ministerial appearance takes place in the context of a deteriorating situation in north Mayo, following last week’s events at the Glengad landfall site for the Corrib gas pipeline. A Fianna Fáil councillor in Erris has this week called on Shell to “be magnanimous” and move part of its refinery operation.
Rossport farmer Willie Corduff was hospitalised in Castlebar overnight last week after an alleged assault by Shell security staff assigned to Glengad. His brother-in-law was injured. Gardaí are investigating an incursion on the same night by “armed” and “masked” men.
No group has as yet claimed responsibility for the alleged incursion, and no arrests were made at the time. Gardaí say Shell security staff were “intimidated”, one security guard was injured, and equipment was damaged.
Mr Corduff claims that Shell contractors had no authorisation for “ancillary work” at the landfall,including erection of fencing.
An Taisce has issued a complaint to Mayo County Council, claiming that ancillary works at Glengad are not exempted development as the council claims.
Four groups: Pobal Chill Chomáin, Pobal Le Chéile, Rossport Solidarity Camp and Shell To Sea (Mayo) have welcomed a decision by the two Ministers to address them. “The request for a meeting was extended by our groups as a result of recent serious and sinister developments in our community,” the four groups said in a joint statement.
“Our community groups are now jointly calling on the Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, to immediately facilitate an internationally supervised investigation into this and other sinister incidents, so that peace and order may be restored to our community.”
Shell EP Ireland has not responded to queries on the alleged incidents or the criticism by the community.
Fianna Fáil councillor Tim Quinn, has called on Shell to make a gesture and clean the Corrib gas at an onshore site, possibly Glinsk, before piping it past houses to the inshore refinery at Bellanaboy.
The Belmullet councillor said he cannot see any solution to the controversy at present.
Last year three local priests proposed Glinsk as an alternative and acceptable site for the refinery. The proposal was rejected by Shell.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan and Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív have accepted an invitation from four Mayo groups to address the local Erris community at the “open meeting” in Inver community hall.
The ministerial appearance takes place in the context of a deteriorating situation in north Mayo, following last week’s events at the Glengad landfall site for the Corrib gas pipeline. A Fianna Fáil councillor in Erris has this week called on Shell to “be magnanimous” and move part of its refinery operation.
Rossport farmer Willie Corduff was hospitalised in Castlebar overnight last week after an alleged assault by Shell security staff assigned to Glengad. His brother-in-law was injured. Gardaí are investigating an incursion on the same night by “armed” and “masked” men.
No group has as yet claimed responsibility for the alleged incursion, and no arrests were made at the time. Gardaí say Shell security staff were “intimidated”, one security guard was injured, and equipment was damaged.
Mr Corduff claims that Shell contractors had no authorisation for “ancillary work” at the landfall,including erection of fencing.
An Taisce has issued a complaint to Mayo County Council, claiming that ancillary works at Glengad are not exempted development as the council claims.
Four groups: Pobal Chill Chomáin, Pobal Le Chéile, Rossport Solidarity Camp and Shell To Sea (Mayo) have welcomed a decision by the two Ministers to address them. “The request for a meeting was extended by our groups as a result of recent serious and sinister developments in our community,” the four groups said in a joint statement.
“Our community groups are now jointly calling on the Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, to immediately facilitate an internationally supervised investigation into this and other sinister incidents, so that peace and order may be restored to our community.”
Shell EP Ireland has not responded to queries on the alleged incidents or the criticism by the community.
Fianna Fáil councillor Tim Quinn, has called on Shell to make a gesture and clean the Corrib gas at an onshore site, possibly Glinsk, before piping it past houses to the inshore refinery at Bellanaboy.
The Belmullet councillor said he cannot see any solution to the controversy at present.
Last year three local priests proposed Glinsk as an alternative and acceptable site for the refinery. The proposal was rejected by Shell.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
RIAI director slams planners
RIAI DIRECTOR John Graby had a right good go at the planners when he addressed the National Housing Conference in Sligo this week. Instead of the “streamlined” approach promised 10 years ago, he said architects still experienced the system as something of a nightmare. Take pre-planning discussions: “Ring on Thursdays between 10am and 11am”, one architect was told. Or “the planning officer you met has left and there is no record of the meeting”, or “Christmas Eve at midnight on the summit of Croagh Patrick”.
Graby, dubbed “Cardinal Mazarin” by RIAI president Seán O Laoire, complained that each of the country’s 88 local authorities has its own planning application form, all different, when there should be a standardised form, “Michael O’Leary-style”.
One applicant who had dowloaded a form from a local authority’s website had his planning application invalidated for using the wrong form. “Ah, well, we have changed the form but it’s not on the web yet”, an official told him.
All of this resulted in “massive transactional costs” and delays, Graby said, adding that even after a planning application had been “validated” it was often followed up with a further information request.
Under the heading “planning creep”, he said many local authorities went way beyond what the Planning Act required in an application, demanding letters of consent from adjoining owners, stormwater audits, daylight and shadow analyses and waste management plans.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Graby, dubbed “Cardinal Mazarin” by RIAI president Seán O Laoire, complained that each of the country’s 88 local authorities has its own planning application form, all different, when there should be a standardised form, “Michael O’Leary-style”.
One applicant who had dowloaded a form from a local authority’s website had his planning application invalidated for using the wrong form. “Ah, well, we have changed the form but it’s not on the web yet”, an official told him.
All of this resulted in “massive transactional costs” and delays, Graby said, adding that even after a planning application had been “validated” it was often followed up with a further information request.
Under the heading “planning creep”, he said many local authorities went way beyond what the Planning Act required in an application, demanding letters of consent from adjoining owners, stormwater audits, daylight and shadow analyses and waste management plans.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Findings say incinerator would pass air guides
EMISSIONS FROM a hazardous waste incinerator planned for Ringaskiddy in Cork harbour will be in compliance with the ambient air quality standards set down in law, an expert witness on behalf of the developers of the incinerator has told the public hearing.
Air quality consultant Dr Edward Porter told the hearing he had used two models to examine the quality of air emissions from the proposed incinerator. Both confirmed that emissions would be within existing ambient air quality standards.
Making a submission on behalf of Indaver Ireland, Dr Porter said he had obtained meteorological data from Cork airport from 2003- 2007 to feed into his two models.
He said the Ringaskiddy facility would have two main emission points or flues within the one 85 metre stack, with one flue taking emissions from the grate incinerator, the other taking emissions from a post-combustion chamber.
“The results show that the combination of stringent emission limits laid down in the waste incineration directive and the selected stack height are appropriate in ensuring that the ambient air quality standards are not exceeded.”
In a detailed submission, Dr Porter said the results showed that sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and total dust emissions under maximum conditions ranged from 10 per cent to 33 per cent of the ambient air quality standards at the nearest test receptor point.
Dr Porter added that the proposed facility would not have any impact on climate change, in line with incinerators generally.
Safety expert Thomas Cleary, for Indaver, said Ringaskiddy was classified as a Seveso site – which covers a European directive on control of major accidents involving dangerous substances – because of the various wastes likely to be handled there, including aqueous wastes, waste solvents, flammable materials and harmful solid wastes.
He said the waste tanks would be relatively small with the largest being just 400 cubic metres. The main solvent tanks would be at the southern side of the site and shielded from the Ringaskiddy Road by the incinerator plant itself.
Mr Cleary acknowledged there had been explosions and fires at incinerators which resulted in fatalities, but such fatalities had been confined to those on the site.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Air quality consultant Dr Edward Porter told the hearing he had used two models to examine the quality of air emissions from the proposed incinerator. Both confirmed that emissions would be within existing ambient air quality standards.
Making a submission on behalf of Indaver Ireland, Dr Porter said he had obtained meteorological data from Cork airport from 2003- 2007 to feed into his two models.
He said the Ringaskiddy facility would have two main emission points or flues within the one 85 metre stack, with one flue taking emissions from the grate incinerator, the other taking emissions from a post-combustion chamber.
“The results show that the combination of stringent emission limits laid down in the waste incineration directive and the selected stack height are appropriate in ensuring that the ambient air quality standards are not exceeded.”
In a detailed submission, Dr Porter said the results showed that sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and total dust emissions under maximum conditions ranged from 10 per cent to 33 per cent of the ambient air quality standards at the nearest test receptor point.
Dr Porter added that the proposed facility would not have any impact on climate change, in line with incinerators generally.
Safety expert Thomas Cleary, for Indaver, said Ringaskiddy was classified as a Seveso site – which covers a European directive on control of major accidents involving dangerous substances – because of the various wastes likely to be handled there, including aqueous wastes, waste solvents, flammable materials and harmful solid wastes.
He said the waste tanks would be relatively small with the largest being just 400 cubic metres. The main solvent tanks would be at the southern side of the site and shielded from the Ringaskiddy Road by the incinerator plant itself.
Mr Cleary acknowledged there had been explosions and fires at incinerators which resulted in fatalities, but such fatalities had been confined to those on the site.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Incinerator 'solution' to pollution at Cork site
A HAZARDOUS waste incinerator planned for Ringaskiddy in Cork harbour could help clean up the waste legacy of contaminated materials left at the former Irish Steel plant on nearby Haulbowline Island, it was claimed yesterday.
Indaver Ireland managing director John Ahern told the second day of the Bord Pleanála hearing into the proposed incinerator that the facility offered not just the opportunity to deal with the region’s growing municipal and industrial waste but also contaminated material from Haulbowline.
“Haulbowline Island has contaminated soils and sludges . . . our facility offers a solution. With Indaver up and running in the area, this problem can be resolved – safely, efficiently and at an affordable cost thus ending what has been a prolonged hangover for the locality,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that as Ireland’s waste mountain continued to grow, the disposal options for treating this waste were narrowing and Cork, like every region in Europe, must reduce its dependence on landfill or face millions of euro in punitive fines.
Cork and Ireland need security of energy supplies and while many options are available, the most obvious is waste-to-energy which is far more beneficial economically than either burying waste in landfill or exporting it for treatment, he said.
“For example, hazardous waste from the Cork region supplies the base load energy source for Hamburg’s extensive district heating system. This effectively subsidises hot water and heating for the residents and industries of Hamburg,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that Indaver had over 20 years’ experience operating waste-to-energy facilities in Flanders where it was founded by the Flemish government in partnership with local industry. The company plans to replicate a similar approach to waste management here, Mr Ahern added.
Indaver’s project and commercial director, Jackie Keaney, said the Ringaskiddy project was in line with both EU and Irish objectives to maximise the recovery of energy from residual waste and generating renewable energy from biomass in the waste.
Installing a combined heat and power plant would contribute to Ireland meeting renewable heating targets and it would also contribute to security of energy supply goals by generating from a local resource that provides an alternative to fossil fuels, she said.
“The Ringaskiddy facility can accept a range of biodegradable wastes that would otherwise be sent to landfill, These include for example, treated residues and refuse derived fuel from mechanical biological treatment, sludges and organic wastes from industry,” she said.
Ms Keaney said the proposed incinerator was in line with the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012 which recommends a move towards self sufficiency. “At present, the Ringaskiddy facility is the only waste-to-energy facility in the planning process that can accept the 50,000 tonnes per annum identified by the EPA as requiring thermal treatment in Ireland,” she said. The hearing continues.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Indaver Ireland managing director John Ahern told the second day of the Bord Pleanála hearing into the proposed incinerator that the facility offered not just the opportunity to deal with the region’s growing municipal and industrial waste but also contaminated material from Haulbowline.
“Haulbowline Island has contaminated soils and sludges . . . our facility offers a solution. With Indaver up and running in the area, this problem can be resolved – safely, efficiently and at an affordable cost thus ending what has been a prolonged hangover for the locality,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that as Ireland’s waste mountain continued to grow, the disposal options for treating this waste were narrowing and Cork, like every region in Europe, must reduce its dependence on landfill or face millions of euro in punitive fines.
Cork and Ireland need security of energy supplies and while many options are available, the most obvious is waste-to-energy which is far more beneficial economically than either burying waste in landfill or exporting it for treatment, he said.
“For example, hazardous waste from the Cork region supplies the base load energy source for Hamburg’s extensive district heating system. This effectively subsidises hot water and heating for the residents and industries of Hamburg,” he said.
Mr Ahern said that Indaver had over 20 years’ experience operating waste-to-energy facilities in Flanders where it was founded by the Flemish government in partnership with local industry. The company plans to replicate a similar approach to waste management here, Mr Ahern added.
Indaver’s project and commercial director, Jackie Keaney, said the Ringaskiddy project was in line with both EU and Irish objectives to maximise the recovery of energy from residual waste and generating renewable energy from biomass in the waste.
Installing a combined heat and power plant would contribute to Ireland meeting renewable heating targets and it would also contribute to security of energy supply goals by generating from a local resource that provides an alternative to fossil fuels, she said.
“The Ringaskiddy facility can accept a range of biodegradable wastes that would otherwise be sent to landfill, These include for example, treated residues and refuse derived fuel from mechanical biological treatment, sludges and organic wastes from industry,” she said.
Ms Keaney said the proposed incinerator was in line with the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012 which recommends a move towards self sufficiency. “At present, the Ringaskiddy facility is the only waste-to-energy facility in the planning process that can accept the 50,000 tonnes per annum identified by the EPA as requiring thermal treatment in Ireland,” she said. The hearing continues.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Landowners seek rezoning reversal
TWO LANDOWNERS have asked the High Court to quash the Limerick county manager’s rejection of a decision by councillors to rezone for residential and other development some 130 acres of farmland near Adare village.
PJ Farrell, a farmer who lives at and owns 90 acres at Ardshanbally and Gortaganniff on the outskirts of Adare, and Barbara Forde, Oulart, Gorey, Wexford, who owns 40 acres in the same area, have brought the proceedings against Limerick County Council. They claim county manager Ned Gleeson acted outside his powers in refusing to accept the rezoning decision as valid.
The council claims the rezoning would create a detached suburb from Adare in breach of its policy to protect the historic architectural integrity of the town.
In voting for the rezoning on September 29th, councillors argued it was needed to bring in employment and facilities. The court heard Mr Gleeson had obtained legal advice the rezoning was not effective under the 2000 Planning and Development Act.
Both landowners claim the local area plan (LAP) for Adare, which does not contain the rezonings, should be set aside. Alternatively, they are seeking an injunction restraining an LAP pending the outcome of proceedings.
In submissions made to the LAP process last July, a planning consultant for Mr Farrell argued his lands would be severed from the remainder of his farm by a proposed bypass of the town and the zoning should be for mixed uses including residential. Ms Forde’s consultant sought zoning for low-density serviced residential sites.
The county manager recommended the lands remain zoned agricultural on grounds rezoning would be contrary to the Limerick County Development Plan.
Eamon Galligan SC, for the landowners, told Mr Justice Brian McGovern that the issues included whether the county manager was entitled to take the view the rezoning resolution was invalid.
The council claims councillors failed to identify the variations they wanted to make in a sufficiently precise manner to constitute an effective LAP modification. It claims councillors failed to state any reasons which might justify the rezoning in the context of the advice of planning experts.
The hearing continues.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
PJ Farrell, a farmer who lives at and owns 90 acres at Ardshanbally and Gortaganniff on the outskirts of Adare, and Barbara Forde, Oulart, Gorey, Wexford, who owns 40 acres in the same area, have brought the proceedings against Limerick County Council. They claim county manager Ned Gleeson acted outside his powers in refusing to accept the rezoning decision as valid.
The council claims the rezoning would create a detached suburb from Adare in breach of its policy to protect the historic architectural integrity of the town.
In voting for the rezoning on September 29th, councillors argued it was needed to bring in employment and facilities. The court heard Mr Gleeson had obtained legal advice the rezoning was not effective under the 2000 Planning and Development Act.
Both landowners claim the local area plan (LAP) for Adare, which does not contain the rezonings, should be set aside. Alternatively, they are seeking an injunction restraining an LAP pending the outcome of proceedings.
In submissions made to the LAP process last July, a planning consultant for Mr Farrell argued his lands would be severed from the remainder of his farm by a proposed bypass of the town and the zoning should be for mixed uses including residential. Ms Forde’s consultant sought zoning for low-density serviced residential sites.
The county manager recommended the lands remain zoned agricultural on grounds rezoning would be contrary to the Limerick County Development Plan.
Eamon Galligan SC, for the landowners, told Mr Justice Brian McGovern that the issues included whether the county manager was entitled to take the view the rezoning resolution was invalid.
The council claims councillors failed to identify the variations they wanted to make in a sufficiently precise manner to constitute an effective LAP modification. It claims councillors failed to state any reasons which might justify the rezoning in the context of the advice of planning experts.
The hearing continues.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Developer critical of zero-carbon housing strategy
MINISTER FOR the Environment John Gormley’s drive towards zero-carbon housing “will set us all running in the wrong direction and sentence generations to live with the consequences”, a leading property developer has warned.
Michael Cosgrave, a director of the Cosgrave Group, told the National Housing Conference in Sligo yesterday that the current strategy was based on using “untested new technologies”.
He was strongly opposed to new building regulations currently being drafted because they would mean that “every new home must become an energy producer” – principally through using solar panels on the roof to provide hot water or electricity.
Mr Cosgrave said it would be impractical to apply the new regulations to apartment buildings as there would not be enough roof space to accommodate all the solar panels required – and there were more practical ways to reduce carbon emissions.
He cited the example of Lansdowne Gate, a Cosgrave Group scheme of 280 apartments in Drimnagh, Dublin, which had been designed to maximise solar gain, with high levels of insulation, heat recovery ventilation and a district heating system.
This system, “which only takes up the space of three parked cars”, was largely responsible for an annual saving of 72,000kg of CO2 and cut the heating bills for each apartment by €200 per year, achieving 98 per cent energy efficiency. Mr Cosgrave said every occupier had individual control over the amount of heat they used. But although the overall scheme had achieved a relatively high B1 building energy rating (BER), “if it was constructed today, it would be non-compliant”.
He said it was essential to change the BER rating system to cover entire apartment buildings, rather than just individual homes.
According to the developer, “we’re missing big opportunities [to reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions] while chasing little ones”. In his view, district heating fuelled by combined heat and power (CHP) plants should be much more widely used.
He cited the failure to combine district heating for Dublin’s Docklands with the 1999 refitting the ESB’s Poolbeg power station to run on gas and the new Aghada gas-fired power station in Cork Harbour, which would soon be “heating fish instead of homes”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Michael Cosgrave, a director of the Cosgrave Group, told the National Housing Conference in Sligo yesterday that the current strategy was based on using “untested new technologies”.
He was strongly opposed to new building regulations currently being drafted because they would mean that “every new home must become an energy producer” – principally through using solar panels on the roof to provide hot water or electricity.
Mr Cosgrave said it would be impractical to apply the new regulations to apartment buildings as there would not be enough roof space to accommodate all the solar panels required – and there were more practical ways to reduce carbon emissions.
He cited the example of Lansdowne Gate, a Cosgrave Group scheme of 280 apartments in Drimnagh, Dublin, which had been designed to maximise solar gain, with high levels of insulation, heat recovery ventilation and a district heating system.
This system, “which only takes up the space of three parked cars”, was largely responsible for an annual saving of 72,000kg of CO2 and cut the heating bills for each apartment by €200 per year, achieving 98 per cent energy efficiency. Mr Cosgrave said every occupier had individual control over the amount of heat they used. But although the overall scheme had achieved a relatively high B1 building energy rating (BER), “if it was constructed today, it would be non-compliant”.
He said it was essential to change the BER rating system to cover entire apartment buildings, rather than just individual homes.
According to the developer, “we’re missing big opportunities [to reduce Ireland’s carbon emissions] while chasing little ones”. In his view, district heating fuelled by combined heat and power (CHP) plants should be much more widely used.
He cited the failure to combine district heating for Dublin’s Docklands with the 1999 refitting the ESB’s Poolbeg power station to run on gas and the new Aghada gas-fired power station in Cork Harbour, which would soon be “heating fish instead of homes”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Planning head urges key role for assets body
THE PROPOSED National Assets Management Agency (Nama) needs to be part of a different future for Irish planning, compared to the developer-led approach of the the boom years, according to John O’Connor, chairman of An Bord Pleanála.
In an outspoken address to the National Housing Conference in Sligo yesterday, he said Nama needed to be “more than a financial exercise” if it was to maximise benefits to the public, and this should include providing sites for schools, enterprise and amenities.
Mr O’Connor said the mooted property tax offered an opportunity to begin tackling the long-standing issue of the value of development land. The absence of such a tax had contributed to the bubble and militated against sustainable planning.
“Land value tax . . . would drive sustainable development, promote logical behaviour and stabilise the market,” he said. It would also reduce pressure on local authorities to grant planning permission to generate revenue for themselves.
He urged local authorities to be pro-active in giving concessions on development levies and making more use of compulsory purchase powers to promote good developments, even at a small-scale, in the right locations such as town centres. During the boom years, Mr O’Connor complained that councillors and local authority managers had succumbed to vested interests and the “any development is good development” syndrome.
“Developers and vested interests had undue influence on plan-making [and] little regard to statutory development plans in buying land and designing schemes,” Mr O’Connor said.
Banks had also ignored planning parameters in lending to developers. Local authorities had often failed to vindicate their own development plans or sent the wrong signals to developers. Land values were “subverted” and many bad planning decisions had to be overturned or amended by An Bord Pleanála on appeal.
He said the current recession was a time to reflect on lessons from the recent past, giving architects, planners and developers an opportunity to start laying the groundwork for a resurgence in the housing market – after it eventually stabilised.
“A ‘plan-led’ system is more efficient, equitable and publicly acceptable than a ‘developer-led’ system,” Mr O’Connor said. “Development plans must be externally and internally consistent: zoning should reflect policy objectives and avoid exceptions.”
Seán Ó Laoire, president of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland – which jointly organised the conference with the Department of the Environment, said one of the tasks we faced was to “clean up the mess” left by the boom.
The current recession meant “we now have a chance to ameliorate, remediate and recover”, he told some 200 participants.
He said “this time of crisis” should be used to set out a vision for the renewal and well-being of Irish society . . . “to openly interrogate our mistakes and system failures [and] articulate the economic and social dividends of good governance, planning and design”.
It was a cliche for politicians to talk about developing a smart economy when they didn’t have “a skeleton to put flesh on”. Instead, Ireland should focus on becoming a smart society, based on being collectively rather than merely individually creative.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
In an outspoken address to the National Housing Conference in Sligo yesterday, he said Nama needed to be “more than a financial exercise” if it was to maximise benefits to the public, and this should include providing sites for schools, enterprise and amenities.
Mr O’Connor said the mooted property tax offered an opportunity to begin tackling the long-standing issue of the value of development land. The absence of such a tax had contributed to the bubble and militated against sustainable planning.
“Land value tax . . . would drive sustainable development, promote logical behaviour and stabilise the market,” he said. It would also reduce pressure on local authorities to grant planning permission to generate revenue for themselves.
He urged local authorities to be pro-active in giving concessions on development levies and making more use of compulsory purchase powers to promote good developments, even at a small-scale, in the right locations such as town centres. During the boom years, Mr O’Connor complained that councillors and local authority managers had succumbed to vested interests and the “any development is good development” syndrome.
“Developers and vested interests had undue influence on plan-making [and] little regard to statutory development plans in buying land and designing schemes,” Mr O’Connor said.
Banks had also ignored planning parameters in lending to developers. Local authorities had often failed to vindicate their own development plans or sent the wrong signals to developers. Land values were “subverted” and many bad planning decisions had to be overturned or amended by An Bord Pleanála on appeal.
He said the current recession was a time to reflect on lessons from the recent past, giving architects, planners and developers an opportunity to start laying the groundwork for a resurgence in the housing market – after it eventually stabilised.
“A ‘plan-led’ system is more efficient, equitable and publicly acceptable than a ‘developer-led’ system,” Mr O’Connor said. “Development plans must be externally and internally consistent: zoning should reflect policy objectives and avoid exceptions.”
Seán Ó Laoire, president of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland – which jointly organised the conference with the Department of the Environment, said one of the tasks we faced was to “clean up the mess” left by the boom.
The current recession meant “we now have a chance to ameliorate, remediate and recover”, he told some 200 participants.
He said “this time of crisis” should be used to set out a vision for the renewal and well-being of Irish society . . . “to openly interrogate our mistakes and system failures [and] articulate the economic and social dividends of good governance, planning and design”.
It was a cliche for politicians to talk about developing a smart economy when they didn’t have “a skeleton to put flesh on”. Instead, Ireland should focus on becoming a smart society, based on being collectively rather than merely individually creative.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Claims that incineration no longer Government policy rejected
INDAVER Ireland has rejected claims by Green Party Senator Dan Boyle that incineration is no longer Government policy, pointing out that Mr Boyle’s own party leader has admitted there is a need for two incinerators in the country.
On the opening day of what is the second full hearing on Belgian company Indaver’s plans for a toxic waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy, Mr Boyle said that while incineration had been Government policy, that was not the case any more.
"Incineration had been the Government’s preferred policy for waste disposal. It was considered cheap and easy and quick. In terms of policy making that ticks a lot of boxes, even if it causes problems and rides roughshod over the wishes of a community.
"Incineration is no longer a preferred disposal method. Mechanical and biological treatment have become the preferred options and the Government has also initiated a review of best practice."
However, Indaver pointed out that the leader of Mr Boyle’s party, Environment Minister John Gormley, said as late as October 2007 that Ireland requires "no more than two incinerators" to deal with waste that cannot be recycled or processed and it would need to incinerate 400,000 tonnes of waste a year by 2016.
Elsewhere in his submission yesterday, Mr Boyle claimed Indaver had itself admitted that a new incineration levy proposed under the Programme for Government would make its project unviable.
Munster MEP Kathy Sinnott said Cork Harbour, where the incinerator would be located and where the National Maritime College is located, had the potential to be a "thriving, prosperous, integrated harbour, with research and development integrating transport, tourism, leisure activities like bathing and water sports, and all the other businesses that thrive in a busy setting.
"In creating this economy The National Maritime College is the critical key. If it is allowed to expand and develop, it has the potential for cutting edge research and a leading international university," she said. "An incinerator on the doorstep of the college is not appropriate to the potential development of the site. The Ringaskiddy/Cork Harbour site is the wrong site and to proceed with this site will rob Munster, Ireland and Europe of a valuable and irreplaceable maritime asset and thousands of sustainable jobs."
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
On the opening day of what is the second full hearing on Belgian company Indaver’s plans for a toxic waste incinerator at Ringaskiddy, Mr Boyle said that while incineration had been Government policy, that was not the case any more.
"Incineration had been the Government’s preferred policy for waste disposal. It was considered cheap and easy and quick. In terms of policy making that ticks a lot of boxes, even if it causes problems and rides roughshod over the wishes of a community.
"Incineration is no longer a preferred disposal method. Mechanical and biological treatment have become the preferred options and the Government has also initiated a review of best practice."
However, Indaver pointed out that the leader of Mr Boyle’s party, Environment Minister John Gormley, said as late as October 2007 that Ireland requires "no more than two incinerators" to deal with waste that cannot be recycled or processed and it would need to incinerate 400,000 tonnes of waste a year by 2016.
Elsewhere in his submission yesterday, Mr Boyle claimed Indaver had itself admitted that a new incineration levy proposed under the Programme for Government would make its project unviable.
Munster MEP Kathy Sinnott said Cork Harbour, where the incinerator would be located and where the National Maritime College is located, had the potential to be a "thriving, prosperous, integrated harbour, with research and development integrating transport, tourism, leisure activities like bathing and water sports, and all the other businesses that thrive in a busy setting.
"In creating this economy The National Maritime College is the critical key. If it is allowed to expand and develop, it has the potential for cutting edge research and a leading international university," she said. "An incinerator on the doorstep of the college is not appropriate to the potential development of the site. The Ringaskiddy/Cork Harbour site is the wrong site and to proceed with this site will rob Munster, Ireland and Europe of a valuable and irreplaceable maritime asset and thousands of sustainable jobs."
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Indaver plan ‘will solve Irish Steel headache’
INDAVER will today claim its plans for a toxic waste incinerator in east Cork will not only resolve Ireland’s mounting waste mountain but will also deal with the expensive problem of contaminated soils and sludges at the former Irish Steel facility in the region.
On the second day of what is likely to be a three-week An Bord Pleanála hearing, the Belgian incineration company will say its project planned for Ringaskiddy has the potential to get deal with the "environmental and financial headache" the Irish Steel facility has left on Haulbowline Island.
It will also claim that Ireland’s landfill options are diminishing and that mechanical biological treatment, as favoured by the Government, still creates waste which must be dealt with.
Yesterday, An Bord Pleanála inspector Oznur Yucel-Finn revealed that the board had received 295 written submissions with 1,099 signatures excluding those of umbrella groups from around the east Cork region and beyond.
Before the hearing even got going, solicitor Joe Noonan representing the Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment questioned the impartiality of An Bord Pleanála.
He pointed out that in 2003, in the first hearing on the planned incinerator for Ringaskiddy, the board’s then inspector Philip Jones recommended refusal of the development but that was overturned by the board itself. He said when a High Court challenge by objectors to that decision lapsed, all sides, including Indaver, agreed to pay their own costs apart from the board which, he said, pursued private individuals for its costs.
"We therefore come to this hearing with trepidation," he said.
Yesterday the new inspector, Ms Yucel-Finn, said she would reach her own conclusions but the board would make the overall decision.
Also yesterday, Michael Gillen of Pharmachem Ireland, giving evidence on behalf of Indaver, said a lack of an integrated waste infrastructure was a major challenge to industries such as the pharmaceutical sector. He said at present those companies were having to export large levels of waste at high cost.
"Ireland’s main competitors for foreign direct investment, Singapore, Puerto Rico and Switzerland all have integrated waste management plans that work. For example in 2005 of the municipal waste generated in Singapore, 5% went to landfill, 46% was converted to energy and 49% was recycled. That year Ireland sent 65% to landfill, 0% was converted into energy and 35% was recycled.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
On the second day of what is likely to be a three-week An Bord Pleanála hearing, the Belgian incineration company will say its project planned for Ringaskiddy has the potential to get deal with the "environmental and financial headache" the Irish Steel facility has left on Haulbowline Island.
It will also claim that Ireland’s landfill options are diminishing and that mechanical biological treatment, as favoured by the Government, still creates waste which must be dealt with.
Yesterday, An Bord Pleanála inspector Oznur Yucel-Finn revealed that the board had received 295 written submissions with 1,099 signatures excluding those of umbrella groups from around the east Cork region and beyond.
Before the hearing even got going, solicitor Joe Noonan representing the Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment questioned the impartiality of An Bord Pleanála.
He pointed out that in 2003, in the first hearing on the planned incinerator for Ringaskiddy, the board’s then inspector Philip Jones recommended refusal of the development but that was overturned by the board itself. He said when a High Court challenge by objectors to that decision lapsed, all sides, including Indaver, agreed to pay their own costs apart from the board which, he said, pursued private individuals for its costs.
"We therefore come to this hearing with trepidation," he said.
Yesterday the new inspector, Ms Yucel-Finn, said she would reach her own conclusions but the board would make the overall decision.
Also yesterday, Michael Gillen of Pharmachem Ireland, giving evidence on behalf of Indaver, said a lack of an integrated waste infrastructure was a major challenge to industries such as the pharmaceutical sector. He said at present those companies were having to export large levels of waste at high cost.
"Ireland’s main competitors for foreign direct investment, Singapore, Puerto Rico and Switzerland all have integrated waste management plans that work. For example in 2005 of the municipal waste generated in Singapore, 5% went to landfill, 46% was converted to energy and 49% was recycled. That year Ireland sent 65% to landfill, 0% was converted into energy and 35% was recycled.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
MEP and Senator oppose incinerator plan
AN ORAL hearing by An Bord Pleanála into plans by Indaver Ireland for a €150 million twin incinerator in Ringaskiddy opened yesterday with Ireland South MEP Kathy Sinnott and Green Party Senator Dan Boyle both expressing their opposition to the proposal.
Indaver Ireland has applied under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 for a hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a municipal waste incinerator, each capable of taking 100,000 tonnes a year, at the 12-hectare Ringaskiddy site.
According to Indaver’s planning application, the plant will incorporate a four-storey process building, an 85m flue stack, a turbine hall, an aerocondenser structure, a sampling laboratory and a transfer station and other units at the site.
Yesterday, Ms Sinnott said that locating the incinerator in the Cork harbour area was contrary to EU maritime policy, which envisages developing sustainable prosperous harbours that integrate fishing, transport, and other water-based activities.
Cork County Council has formulated a Cork harbour development plan and the EU has designated parts of the harbour as special areas of conservation, while there are also proposals to have the entire harbour area declared a Unesco world heritage site.
Ms Sinnott pointed out that Ringaskiddy is home to the National Maritime College, which has the potential to create a thriving sustainable economy in the harbour area through becoming a leading international maritime university.
“The National Maritime College recognises this and has plans to expand with 500 jobs just for a start. Will this happen? It can, it should and it will if we work hard, and we don’t put an absolute enormous, obsolete, dangerous rubbish burner plonk in the middle of the harbour.”
Mr Boyle argued that incineration had been a preferred waste management option by government at the time of the last oral hearing into the proposal in 2003 but that had now changed.
He said the Department of the Environment had made submissions to An Bord Pleanála opposing the proposal, while he said this change had been acknowledged by the board in its inspector’s report on an incinerator planned for Ringsend in Dublin.
Mr Boyle also noted the decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse permission for another incinerator at Rathcoole in Co Dublin, as well as its refusal to grant planning permission to the port of Cork for a large-scale development in Ringaskiddy.
This proposal was rejected by An Bord Pleanála’s inspector in his report primarily because of the inadequacy of the infrastructure serving Ringaskiddy. That infrastructural deficit was unlikely to be addressed in the near future, said Mr Boyle.
He said the logic of all these changes was that the opposition to the Indaver plan mounted by both individuals and groups since May 2000 should be reflected, not only by inspector Öznur Yücel-Finn in her report, but also by the ultimate decision of the board of An Bord Pleanála.
Yesterday’s hearing heard from Dr Michael Gillen of PharmaChemical Ireland, on behalf of Indaver Ireland, who argued that the cost of shipping waste abroad was adding to the operating costs of the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr Gillen said the lack of an integrated waste infrastructure was deterring new investment in Ireland, while Ireland’s main competitors for foreign direct investment – Singapore, Puerto Rico and Switzerland – all had integrated waste management plans.
Dr Gillen said PharmaChemical Ireland had no policy as to where a waste-to-energy plant or incinerator should be located.
The hearing continues.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Indaver Ireland has applied under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 for a hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a municipal waste incinerator, each capable of taking 100,000 tonnes a year, at the 12-hectare Ringaskiddy site.
According to Indaver’s planning application, the plant will incorporate a four-storey process building, an 85m flue stack, a turbine hall, an aerocondenser structure, a sampling laboratory and a transfer station and other units at the site.
Yesterday, Ms Sinnott said that locating the incinerator in the Cork harbour area was contrary to EU maritime policy, which envisages developing sustainable prosperous harbours that integrate fishing, transport, and other water-based activities.
Cork County Council has formulated a Cork harbour development plan and the EU has designated parts of the harbour as special areas of conservation, while there are also proposals to have the entire harbour area declared a Unesco world heritage site.
Ms Sinnott pointed out that Ringaskiddy is home to the National Maritime College, which has the potential to create a thriving sustainable economy in the harbour area through becoming a leading international maritime university.
“The National Maritime College recognises this and has plans to expand with 500 jobs just for a start. Will this happen? It can, it should and it will if we work hard, and we don’t put an absolute enormous, obsolete, dangerous rubbish burner plonk in the middle of the harbour.”
Mr Boyle argued that incineration had been a preferred waste management option by government at the time of the last oral hearing into the proposal in 2003 but that had now changed.
He said the Department of the Environment had made submissions to An Bord Pleanála opposing the proposal, while he said this change had been acknowledged by the board in its inspector’s report on an incinerator planned for Ringsend in Dublin.
Mr Boyle also noted the decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse permission for another incinerator at Rathcoole in Co Dublin, as well as its refusal to grant planning permission to the port of Cork for a large-scale development in Ringaskiddy.
This proposal was rejected by An Bord Pleanála’s inspector in his report primarily because of the inadequacy of the infrastructure serving Ringaskiddy. That infrastructural deficit was unlikely to be addressed in the near future, said Mr Boyle.
He said the logic of all these changes was that the opposition to the Indaver plan mounted by both individuals and groups since May 2000 should be reflected, not only by inspector Öznur Yücel-Finn in her report, but also by the ultimate decision of the board of An Bord Pleanála.
Yesterday’s hearing heard from Dr Michael Gillen of PharmaChemical Ireland, on behalf of Indaver Ireland, who argued that the cost of shipping waste abroad was adding to the operating costs of the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr Gillen said the lack of an integrated waste infrastructure was deterring new investment in Ireland, while Ireland’s main competitors for foreign direct investment – Singapore, Puerto Rico and Switzerland – all had integrated waste management plans.
Dr Gillen said PharmaChemical Ireland had no policy as to where a waste-to-energy plant or incinerator should be located.
The hearing continues.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Ringaskiddy hearing continues
A hazardous waste incinerator planned for Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour could help clean up the waste legacy of contaminated materials left at the former Irish Steel plant on nearby Haulbowline Island, it was claimed yesterday.
Indaver Ireland managing director John Ahern told the second day of the An Bord Pleanála hearing into the proposed incinerator that the facility offered not just the opportunity to deal with the region's growing municipal and industrial waste but also contaminated material from Haulbowline.
"Haulbowline Island has contaminated soils and sludges ... our facility offers a solution. With Indaver up and running in the area, this problem can be resolved - safely, efficiently and at an affordable cost, thus ending what has been a prolonged hangover for the locality," he said.
Mr Ahern said that as Ireland's waste mountain continues to grow, the disposal options for treating this waste are narrowing and Cork, like every region in Europe, must reduce its dependence on landfill or face millions of euro in punitive fines.
Meanwhile Cork and Ireland need security of energy supplies and while many options are available, the most obvious is waste-to-energy which is far more beneficial economically than either burying waste in landfill or exporting it for treatment, he said.
"For example, hazardous waste from the Cork region supplies the base load energy source for Hamburg's extensive district heating system. This effectively subsidises hot water and heating for the residents and industries of Hamburg," he said.
Mr Ahern said that Indaver has over 20 years experience operating waste-to-energy facilities in Flanders where it was founded by the Flemish government in partnership with local industry and the company plans to replicate a similar approach to waste management here.
Indaver Ireland project and commercial director Jackie Keaney said the Ringaskiddy project was in line with both EU and Irish objectives to maximise the recovery of energy from residual waste and generating renewable energy from biomass in the waste.
Installing a combined heat and power plant will also contribute to Ireland meeting renewable heating targets and it will also contribute to security of energy supply goals by generating from a local resource that provides an alternative to fossil fuels, she said.
"The Ringaskiddy facility can accept a range of biodegradable wastes that would otherwise be sent to landfill, These include for example, treated residuets and refuse derived fuel from Mechanical Biological Treatment, sludges and organic wastes from industry," she said
Ms Keaney pointed out the proposed incinerator is line with National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012 which recommends a move towards self sufficiency and notes that dedicated incineration provides flexibility in the management of residual hazardous waste.
The plan determines that if its preferred strategy of dealing with waste, including prevention, recycling and a waste-to-energy facility is achieved, then a minimum of 50,000 tonnes of hazardous waste will need thermal treatment in a waste-to-energy facility in Ireland by 2016.
"At present, the Ringaskiddy facility is the only waste-to-energy facility in the planning process that can accept the 50,000 tonnes per annum identified by the EPA as requiring thermal treatment in Ireland," she said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Indaver Ireland managing director John Ahern told the second day of the An Bord Pleanála hearing into the proposed incinerator that the facility offered not just the opportunity to deal with the region's growing municipal and industrial waste but also contaminated material from Haulbowline.
"Haulbowline Island has contaminated soils and sludges ... our facility offers a solution. With Indaver up and running in the area, this problem can be resolved - safely, efficiently and at an affordable cost, thus ending what has been a prolonged hangover for the locality," he said.
Mr Ahern said that as Ireland's waste mountain continues to grow, the disposal options for treating this waste are narrowing and Cork, like every region in Europe, must reduce its dependence on landfill or face millions of euro in punitive fines.
Meanwhile Cork and Ireland need security of energy supplies and while many options are available, the most obvious is waste-to-energy which is far more beneficial economically than either burying waste in landfill or exporting it for treatment, he said.
"For example, hazardous waste from the Cork region supplies the base load energy source for Hamburg's extensive district heating system. This effectively subsidises hot water and heating for the residents and industries of Hamburg," he said.
Mr Ahern said that Indaver has over 20 years experience operating waste-to-energy facilities in Flanders where it was founded by the Flemish government in partnership with local industry and the company plans to replicate a similar approach to waste management here.
Indaver Ireland project and commercial director Jackie Keaney said the Ringaskiddy project was in line with both EU and Irish objectives to maximise the recovery of energy from residual waste and generating renewable energy from biomass in the waste.
Installing a combined heat and power plant will also contribute to Ireland meeting renewable heating targets and it will also contribute to security of energy supply goals by generating from a local resource that provides an alternative to fossil fuels, she said.
"The Ringaskiddy facility can accept a range of biodegradable wastes that would otherwise be sent to landfill, These include for example, treated residuets and refuse derived fuel from Mechanical Biological Treatment, sludges and organic wastes from industry," she said
Ms Keaney pointed out the proposed incinerator is line with National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008-2012 which recommends a move towards self sufficiency and notes that dedicated incineration provides flexibility in the management of residual hazardous waste.
The plan determines that if its preferred strategy of dealing with waste, including prevention, recycling and a waste-to-energy facility is achieved, then a minimum of 50,000 tonnes of hazardous waste will need thermal treatment in a waste-to-energy facility in Ireland by 2016.
"At present, the Ringaskiddy facility is the only waste-to-energy facility in the planning process that can accept the 50,000 tonnes per annum identified by the EPA as requiring thermal treatment in Ireland," she said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Hanover Quay architect presented with award
ARCHITECT JAMES Pike, who has been in practice for more than 40 years, was presented last night with Ireland’s premier housing design award for a mixed-use development in Dublin’s Docklands.
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Silver Medal was awarded to O’Mahony Pike Architects for Hanover Quay, described as “a model for integrated, high-density urban regeneration”.
Commissioned by Dublin Docklands Development Authority, the scheme occupies a former gasworks site located between Hanover Quay on the Grand Canal Docks and Sir John Rogerson’s Quay on the Liffey. It combined retail and commercial uses with 292 new homes, including family-orientated houses and apartments. Some 20 per cent of the residential space is social and affordable housing.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Silver Medal was awarded to O’Mahony Pike Architects for Hanover Quay, described as “a model for integrated, high-density urban regeneration”.
Commissioned by Dublin Docklands Development Authority, the scheme occupies a former gasworks site located between Hanover Quay on the Grand Canal Docks and Sir John Rogerson’s Quay on the Liffey. It combined retail and commercial uses with 292 new homes, including family-orientated houses and apartments. Some 20 per cent of the residential space is social and affordable housing.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
EPA report predicts wetter winters and drier summers
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES in Ireland will rise by between 1.4 degrees and 1.8 degrees by 2050, according to a new report on climate change impact published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The research also indicates that summer and autumn will warm faster than winter or spring, with the midlands and east warming more than coastal areas.
Winter rainfall is also expected to increase by 10 per cent within 40 years with converse reductions of summer rainfall. The decrease in summer precipitation could be between 12 and 17 per cent.
The report, Climate Change in Ireland: Refining the Impacts for Ireland, suggests that we need to plan for these changes, which are already occurring, but which will be clearly evident within four decades.
The lead author of this report, Prof John Sweeney from NUI Maynooth said that Ireland would experience changes in extremes at both ends of the spectrum.
There would be more rain and more intense rainfall at one end and then heat waves and droughts at the other.
He did qualify the projections.
“Considerable uncertainty still remains in several areas, particularly in relation to rainfall. A risk management type approach to adaptation will be required to take account of these uncertainties.”
The report looks at discrete changes that are expected in different regions of the country, with the largest winter rainfall increases predicted for the midlands.
“By 2050, reductions in summer rainfall of between 20 and 28 per cent are projected for the southern and eastern coasts, increasing to between 30 and 40 per cent by 2080,” it says.
Laura Burke, an EPA director with responsibility for climate change, said: “Climate projections such as those provided in this report enable us to assess potential impacts, plan and take actions to avoid the worst of these and if possible, to utilise positive changes.”
The new projections are in line with earlier reports provided by NUI, Maynooth and Met Éireann. However, these new projections are based on outputs from a wide range of global climate models, thereby increasing confidence in the projections.
The report states there is an urgent need to adopt appropriate mitigation and adaptation responses to the risks posed by climate change, notwithstanding the challenges of recent economic events.
Detailed studies and research of impacts also highlighted the implications for water resources and also warned about an increase in flood risk, especially in areas that are vulnerable to flooding.
Case studies were presented for a number of the rivers including the Suir, Blackwater (Co Cork), and Barrow.
Among the serious findings was a projection that the return period of the “10 year” flood would reduce to a three-year event on most catchments by 2050.
“The main challenges to Irish agriculture will come from wetter winter and drier summer soils. The impacts will not be uniform across the country. Regional specific adaptation strategies will be required,” state the authors.
It also identifies the most vulnerable habitats as sand dunes, lowland grasslands, mountainous heath, raised bogs, and some fens, turloughs (winter lakes) and upland lakes.
The threat posed to Irish peatlands is also emphasised.
“Increased decomposition of Irish peatlands will be facilitated mainly by cracking during drier summers. Compositional changes within the peatlands will be associated with further deterioration,” it says.
The research concluded that despite the uncertainty inherent in the analysis, there is an urgent need to adopt appropriate mitigation and adaptation responses to the risks posed by climate change, notwithstanding the challenges of recent economic events.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The research also indicates that summer and autumn will warm faster than winter or spring, with the midlands and east warming more than coastal areas.
Winter rainfall is also expected to increase by 10 per cent within 40 years with converse reductions of summer rainfall. The decrease in summer precipitation could be between 12 and 17 per cent.
The report, Climate Change in Ireland: Refining the Impacts for Ireland, suggests that we need to plan for these changes, which are already occurring, but which will be clearly evident within four decades.
The lead author of this report, Prof John Sweeney from NUI Maynooth said that Ireland would experience changes in extremes at both ends of the spectrum.
There would be more rain and more intense rainfall at one end and then heat waves and droughts at the other.
He did qualify the projections.
“Considerable uncertainty still remains in several areas, particularly in relation to rainfall. A risk management type approach to adaptation will be required to take account of these uncertainties.”
The report looks at discrete changes that are expected in different regions of the country, with the largest winter rainfall increases predicted for the midlands.
“By 2050, reductions in summer rainfall of between 20 and 28 per cent are projected for the southern and eastern coasts, increasing to between 30 and 40 per cent by 2080,” it says.
Laura Burke, an EPA director with responsibility for climate change, said: “Climate projections such as those provided in this report enable us to assess potential impacts, plan and take actions to avoid the worst of these and if possible, to utilise positive changes.”
The new projections are in line with earlier reports provided by NUI, Maynooth and Met Éireann. However, these new projections are based on outputs from a wide range of global climate models, thereby increasing confidence in the projections.
The report states there is an urgent need to adopt appropriate mitigation and adaptation responses to the risks posed by climate change, notwithstanding the challenges of recent economic events.
Detailed studies and research of impacts also highlighted the implications for water resources and also warned about an increase in flood risk, especially in areas that are vulnerable to flooding.
Case studies were presented for a number of the rivers including the Suir, Blackwater (Co Cork), and Barrow.
Among the serious findings was a projection that the return period of the “10 year” flood would reduce to a three-year event on most catchments by 2050.
“The main challenges to Irish agriculture will come from wetter winter and drier summer soils. The impacts will not be uniform across the country. Regional specific adaptation strategies will be required,” state the authors.
It also identifies the most vulnerable habitats as sand dunes, lowland grasslands, mountainous heath, raised bogs, and some fens, turloughs (winter lakes) and upland lakes.
The threat posed to Irish peatlands is also emphasised.
“Increased decomposition of Irish peatlands will be facilitated mainly by cracking during drier summers. Compositional changes within the peatlands will be associated with further deterioration,” it says.
The research concluded that despite the uncertainty inherent in the analysis, there is an urgent need to adopt appropriate mitigation and adaptation responses to the risks posed by climate change, notwithstanding the challenges of recent economic events.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 27 April 2009
Department to raise fresh incinerator concerns
THE Department of the Environment is set to raise several new concerns about the impact of two controversial incinerators on legally protected wildlife zones in Cork Harbour.
In a hard-hitting submission to a Bord Pleanála oral hearing, which gets under way today, the department will say it is not satisfied with the assessment of the impact of emissions and effluent discharges from Indaver’s proposed developments on the protected areas.
And it has also asked for further information on potential emissions in the event of an accident or a catastrophic failure of the incinerator’s combustion and air pollution control systems.
The submission, which has been seen by the Irish Examiner, says a more comprehensive assessment of the project is recommended.
It should take into account European Commission guidance on the protection of certain habitats, as well as the specific effects of effluent discharges and emissions from the proposed development on Cork Harbour and its protected areas, the department said.
These concerns were not raised during the 2003 oral hearing into a previous application by Indaver to build a single toxic waste incinerator on the same site.
The new departmental submission could prove hugely significant.
Indaver Ireland has applied to Bord Pleanála, under the Strategic Infrastructure Act, for 10-year planning permission for two incinerators — one for hazardous waste and one for municipal waste — on a 12-hectare site in Ringaskiddy.
The €150m project includes two waste-to-energy facilities, plus a waste transfer station.
The industrial WTE facility will burn a maximum of 100,000 tonnes of solid and liquid, hazardous and non-hazardous wastes such as contaminated packaging, products, and solvents or liquids from the pharmaceutical and chemical industry every year.
The municipal WTE facility will treat a maximum of 140,000 tonnes of residual household and commercial waste every year.
Hundreds of submissions have been made by members of the public opposed to the project.
The submission from the Department of the Environment points out that the proposed incinerators will be located within 1km of legally-protected zones of Cork Harbour, and within 10km of dozens of designated and proposed protected sites, which could be affected by emissions.
Cllr Dominick Donnelly said local campaigners have been raising these concerns for years.
"We are fairly confident of winning our case this time," the Green Party councillor said. "The last time, the only reason we lost was because of Government policy. The thinking now is very, very different."
However, Indaver Ireland said it believes incineration is part of the solution to key environmental, energy and economic challenges faced in the Cork region. "Facts, not hearsay should determine the outcome of its application," managing director John Ahern said.
"We believe that the facts we will present demonstrate a compelling case in favour of granting approval for our application."
A decision is expected in early June.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
In a hard-hitting submission to a Bord Pleanála oral hearing, which gets under way today, the department will say it is not satisfied with the assessment of the impact of emissions and effluent discharges from Indaver’s proposed developments on the protected areas.
And it has also asked for further information on potential emissions in the event of an accident or a catastrophic failure of the incinerator’s combustion and air pollution control systems.
The submission, which has been seen by the Irish Examiner, says a more comprehensive assessment of the project is recommended.
It should take into account European Commission guidance on the protection of certain habitats, as well as the specific effects of effluent discharges and emissions from the proposed development on Cork Harbour and its protected areas, the department said.
These concerns were not raised during the 2003 oral hearing into a previous application by Indaver to build a single toxic waste incinerator on the same site.
The new departmental submission could prove hugely significant.
Indaver Ireland has applied to Bord Pleanála, under the Strategic Infrastructure Act, for 10-year planning permission for two incinerators — one for hazardous waste and one for municipal waste — on a 12-hectare site in Ringaskiddy.
The €150m project includes two waste-to-energy facilities, plus a waste transfer station.
The industrial WTE facility will burn a maximum of 100,000 tonnes of solid and liquid, hazardous and non-hazardous wastes such as contaminated packaging, products, and solvents or liquids from the pharmaceutical and chemical industry every year.
The municipal WTE facility will treat a maximum of 140,000 tonnes of residual household and commercial waste every year.
Hundreds of submissions have been made by members of the public opposed to the project.
The submission from the Department of the Environment points out that the proposed incinerators will be located within 1km of legally-protected zones of Cork Harbour, and within 10km of dozens of designated and proposed protected sites, which could be affected by emissions.
Cllr Dominick Donnelly said local campaigners have been raising these concerns for years.
"We are fairly confident of winning our case this time," the Green Party councillor said. "The last time, the only reason we lost was because of Government policy. The thinking now is very, very different."
However, Indaver Ireland said it believes incineration is part of the solution to key environmental, energy and economic challenges faced in the Cork region. "Facts, not hearsay should determine the outcome of its application," managing director John Ahern said.
"We believe that the facts we will present demonstrate a compelling case in favour of granting approval for our application."
A decision is expected in early June.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
OECD to host talk in Dublin on Corrib gas dispute
THE OECD, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development, is to host talks in Dublin today to try to resolve issues relating to the Corrib gas dispute.
The Corrib gas developers, led by Shell EP Ireland and Mayo community group Pobal Chill Chomáin, including two members of the Rossport five, are to participate in separate discussions with the OECD Dutch and Irish national contact points.
The main aim of the meeting is to discuss a complaint by Pobal Chill Chomáin that the Corrib gas project violates OECD guidelines for multinational companies.
The peace and justice group Afri and a French counterpart non-governmental organisation, Sherpa, facilitated the lodging of the complaint last year, which was deemed by the OECD as “admissible”.
Planned talks by the OECD’s Dutch and Irish representatives were deferred while direct discussions were taking place between Shell and two community groups.
These talks were facilitated by Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan and Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív. They collapsed earlier this month.
In a statement yesterday, Shell EP Ireland said: “We are wholeheartedly engaged with the OECD process. We remain committed to seeking sustainable solutions to any genuine concerns expressed in relation to the Corrib project.”
In related developments, four Mayo groups and Afri have called for an investigation into the alleged assault last week on Rossport farmer Willie Corduff.
Pobal Chill Chomáin and Pobal Le Chéile, Rossport Solidarity Camp and Shell to Sea (Mayo) jointly called on Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern to facilitate an “internationally supervised investigation” into the incident.
Heritage group An Taisce has lodged a complaint with Mayo County Council, claiming the work requires planning permission.
The four Mayo groups described the assault on Mr Corduff as “sinister” and said the community had “now lost total faith in the ability of the Garda Síochána to discharge their duties”.
Mr Corduff had been protesting under a truck at the Corrib gas landfall site at Glengad on Wednesday and early Thursday last and was then taken to hospital after an alleged assault by Shell security. Gardaí have said Mr Corduff was “removed by security” and was taken to hospital as he was “feeling unwell”.
Mr Corduff, who has been released from hospital, said he was very badly bruised.
Gardaí say they are investigating an “incursion” by “armed and masked” men who caused damage and intimidation to Shell security staff on the same night. They say they will investigate any complaint made by any other party.
Afri described Mr Corduff as a “man of honour and integrity” who had won the international Goldman environmental award two years ago. “The situation is now critical, but it appears that only death or serious injury will move the authorities to action,” Afri said.
Former UN assistant secretary general Denis Halliday said he wished to “applaud the courage and commitment to non-violent resistance” shown by Mr Corduff.
He added that “sadly”, the situation in Mayo “raised doubts about the ability and commitment of the Government to find a solution that best serves the interests of all Irish people”.
A spokeswoman for Mr Ryan said it had been informed that the work at Glengad was being carried out “pursuant to a consent” under section 40 of the Gas Act 1976 granted in April 2002. “It is Mayo County Council, in the first instance, that is the relevant planning authority to make a determination.”
Shell EP Ireland has not responded to queries on these issues.
Mayo County Council had deemed a road constructed by Corrib gas developers at Glengad to be exempted, but An Bord Pleanála had subsequently ordered the developers to dismantle the road or apply for planning permission.
Shell applied for retention which was granted in November 2007.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The Corrib gas developers, led by Shell EP Ireland and Mayo community group Pobal Chill Chomáin, including two members of the Rossport five, are to participate in separate discussions with the OECD Dutch and Irish national contact points.
The main aim of the meeting is to discuss a complaint by Pobal Chill Chomáin that the Corrib gas project violates OECD guidelines for multinational companies.
The peace and justice group Afri and a French counterpart non-governmental organisation, Sherpa, facilitated the lodging of the complaint last year, which was deemed by the OECD as “admissible”.
Planned talks by the OECD’s Dutch and Irish representatives were deferred while direct discussions were taking place between Shell and two community groups.
These talks were facilitated by Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan and Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív. They collapsed earlier this month.
In a statement yesterday, Shell EP Ireland said: “We are wholeheartedly engaged with the OECD process. We remain committed to seeking sustainable solutions to any genuine concerns expressed in relation to the Corrib project.”
In related developments, four Mayo groups and Afri have called for an investigation into the alleged assault last week on Rossport farmer Willie Corduff.
Pobal Chill Chomáin and Pobal Le Chéile, Rossport Solidarity Camp and Shell to Sea (Mayo) jointly called on Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern to facilitate an “internationally supervised investigation” into the incident.
Heritage group An Taisce has lodged a complaint with Mayo County Council, claiming the work requires planning permission.
The four Mayo groups described the assault on Mr Corduff as “sinister” and said the community had “now lost total faith in the ability of the Garda Síochána to discharge their duties”.
Mr Corduff had been protesting under a truck at the Corrib gas landfall site at Glengad on Wednesday and early Thursday last and was then taken to hospital after an alleged assault by Shell security. Gardaí have said Mr Corduff was “removed by security” and was taken to hospital as he was “feeling unwell”.
Mr Corduff, who has been released from hospital, said he was very badly bruised.
Gardaí say they are investigating an “incursion” by “armed and masked” men who caused damage and intimidation to Shell security staff on the same night. They say they will investigate any complaint made by any other party.
Afri described Mr Corduff as a “man of honour and integrity” who had won the international Goldman environmental award two years ago. “The situation is now critical, but it appears that only death or serious injury will move the authorities to action,” Afri said.
Former UN assistant secretary general Denis Halliday said he wished to “applaud the courage and commitment to non-violent resistance” shown by Mr Corduff.
He added that “sadly”, the situation in Mayo “raised doubts about the ability and commitment of the Government to find a solution that best serves the interests of all Irish people”.
A spokeswoman for Mr Ryan said it had been informed that the work at Glengad was being carried out “pursuant to a consent” under section 40 of the Gas Act 1976 granted in April 2002. “It is Mayo County Council, in the first instance, that is the relevant planning authority to make a determination.”
Shell EP Ireland has not responded to queries on these issues.
Mayo County Council had deemed a road constructed by Corrib gas developers at Glengad to be exempted, but An Bord Pleanála had subsequently ordered the developers to dismantle the road or apply for planning permission.
Shell applied for retention which was granted in November 2007.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
An Bord Pleanála hearing into Cork incinerators opens today
AN ORAL hearing by An Bord Pleanála into an application by Indaver Ireland to build a €150 million twin incinerator at Ringaskiddy in Cork harbour is due to open in Cork today.
The hearing is expected to run for a number of weeks.
The application for both a hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a municipal waste incinerator, each capable of taking 100,000 tonnes per annum, at the Ringaskiddy site was made by Indaver under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.
The Indaver proposal, first mooted eight years ago, has generated much controversy in the Cork harbour area, and a number of groups have come together under the banner of Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment to oppose the plan.
Indaver Ireland had already applied in November 2001 to Cork County Council for planning permission for a 100,000 tonnes hazardous industrial waste incinerator for the Ringaskiddy site only for the council to refuse planning permission in May 2003.
Indaver Ireland appealed the council’s refusal to An Bord Pleanála and following an oral hearing in October 2003, the planning body went against the recommendation of its inspector and granted planning permission for the facility in January 2004.
Meanwhile, Indaver Ireland applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for licences for both a 100,000 tonnes hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a 100,000 tonnes municipal waste incinerator at the 12-hectare Ringaskiddy site.
Following an oral hearing in February 2005, the EPA decided in November 2005 to grant licences to Indaver Ireland for both incinerators even though Indaver had only at that stage applied for and obtained planning permission for the hazardous industrial waste incinerator.
However, that original five-year permission expired last January, and Indaver Ireland was obliged to resubmit for planning permission. This time the company availed of the strategic infrastructure legislation to make its application.
An Bord Pleanála has received 284 submissions on the Indaver proposal. These include submissions from the Department of the Environment, Cork Cork County Council and Cork City Council as well as from the surrounding communities.
The hearing is being held at Cork International Airport Hotel.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The hearing is expected to run for a number of weeks.
The application for both a hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a municipal waste incinerator, each capable of taking 100,000 tonnes per annum, at the Ringaskiddy site was made by Indaver under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006.
The Indaver proposal, first mooted eight years ago, has generated much controversy in the Cork harbour area, and a number of groups have come together under the banner of Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment to oppose the plan.
Indaver Ireland had already applied in November 2001 to Cork County Council for planning permission for a 100,000 tonnes hazardous industrial waste incinerator for the Ringaskiddy site only for the council to refuse planning permission in May 2003.
Indaver Ireland appealed the council’s refusal to An Bord Pleanála and following an oral hearing in October 2003, the planning body went against the recommendation of its inspector and granted planning permission for the facility in January 2004.
Meanwhile, Indaver Ireland applied to the Environmental Protection Agency for licences for both a 100,000 tonnes hazardous industrial waste incinerator and a 100,000 tonnes municipal waste incinerator at the 12-hectare Ringaskiddy site.
Following an oral hearing in February 2005, the EPA decided in November 2005 to grant licences to Indaver Ireland for both incinerators even though Indaver had only at that stage applied for and obtained planning permission for the hazardous industrial waste incinerator.
However, that original five-year permission expired last January, and Indaver Ireland was obliged to resubmit for planning permission. This time the company availed of the strategic infrastructure legislation to make its application.
An Bord Pleanála has received 284 submissions on the Indaver proposal. These include submissions from the Department of the Environment, Cork Cork County Council and Cork City Council as well as from the surrounding communities.
The hearing is being held at Cork International Airport Hotel.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Gormley calls for European renewable energy 'supergrid'
A EUROPEAN renewable energy “supergrid” would provide sustainable jobs, clean power and a much needed economic stimulus, Green Party leader John Gormley has told his party’s Northern annual conference. Speaking in Belfast at the weekend, Mr Gormley advocated an interconnected electricity system across western Europe and north Africa, predicting that the North could become a world leader in renewable energy.
Wind power from Denmark, tidal power from Antrim, solar power from Spain and wave power from Mayo could help power a cleaner society and economy, he said. Such interconnection was economically viable, he added.
“There is a 600km underwater cable running between Norway and the Netherlands. It cost €600 million to build, but it is already generating cross-border trade valued at €800,00 per day.”
Addressing the economic downturn, Mr Gormley referred to former US president FD Roosevelt’s recovery package 60 years ago and called for a “green new deal”.
“The search is on for ways out of the crisis, and the Greens are proposing that a Europe-wide green new deal provides a way out of the financial crisis. In the downturn the green tech sector has proven to be one of the few safe bets.”
The neoliberal, light regulation economic model was shown not to be sustainable, he argued. His speech focused on the need for greater North-South integration of energy and pollution control systems. Describing such an arrangements as a “win-win for us”, Mr Gormley said: “The number of jobs that could be created in Northern Ireland and the Republic to upgrade the all-island electricity grid so it’s ready for renewable connection could run into thousands,” he said.
The North was “uniquely placed” with its abundant renewable energy resources “and with political, business, union and environmental leadership and partnership become a ‘green economy’ leader”. Green Assembly member Brian Wilson told the conference the Executive’s progress on environmental issues was “dismal”. But he singled out its record on education for particular criticism.
“The greatest indictment of the Executive is its failure to get agreement [on] replacing the 11-plus,” he said.
The conference heard vociferous denouncements of the North’s Minister for the Environment Sammy Wilson over his views on the causes of climate change and his decision in particular to block a public information TV campaign “Act on CO2”.
Brian Wilson said the DUP was willing to go very far to protect the Minister, “even though he is destroying Northern Ireland’s international reputation”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wind power from Denmark, tidal power from Antrim, solar power from Spain and wave power from Mayo could help power a cleaner society and economy, he said. Such interconnection was economically viable, he added.
“There is a 600km underwater cable running between Norway and the Netherlands. It cost €600 million to build, but it is already generating cross-border trade valued at €800,00 per day.”
Addressing the economic downturn, Mr Gormley referred to former US president FD Roosevelt’s recovery package 60 years ago and called for a “green new deal”.
“The search is on for ways out of the crisis, and the Greens are proposing that a Europe-wide green new deal provides a way out of the financial crisis. In the downturn the green tech sector has proven to be one of the few safe bets.”
The neoliberal, light regulation economic model was shown not to be sustainable, he argued. His speech focused on the need for greater North-South integration of energy and pollution control systems. Describing such an arrangements as a “win-win for us”, Mr Gormley said: “The number of jobs that could be created in Northern Ireland and the Republic to upgrade the all-island electricity grid so it’s ready for renewable connection could run into thousands,” he said.
The North was “uniquely placed” with its abundant renewable energy resources “and with political, business, union and environmental leadership and partnership become a ‘green economy’ leader”. Green Assembly member Brian Wilson told the conference the Executive’s progress on environmental issues was “dismal”. But he singled out its record on education for particular criticism.
“The greatest indictment of the Executive is its failure to get agreement [on] replacing the 11-plus,” he said.
The conference heard vociferous denouncements of the North’s Minister for the Environment Sammy Wilson over his views on the causes of climate change and his decision in particular to block a public information TV campaign “Act on CO2”.
Brian Wilson said the DUP was willing to go very far to protect the Minister, “even though he is destroying Northern Ireland’s international reputation”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
EPA warns of rising temperatures
Ireland needs to get ready for longer heat waves and periods of drought, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warned today.
Average temperatures in Ireland will rise by up to 1.8 degrees Celsius by 2050, according to a report published by the EPA today. The report predicts that summer and autumn will warm up faster than winter and spring, with the midlands and east warming more than coastal areas.
The report Climate Change in Ireland: Refining the Impacts for Ireland , also predicts that winter rainfall will increase by 10 per cent, while reductions in summer rainfall of 12 to 17 per cent are projected by 2050.
The largest winter rainfall increases are expected to take place in the midlands and by 2050, reductions in summer rainfall of between 20 and 28 per cent are projected for the southern and eastern coasts.
Longer heat waves and drought may also occur which will be especially important for eastern and southern parts of Ireland, the report states.
“We are looking at changes in extremes at both ends of the spectrum, more rain and more intense rainfall at one end and then heat waves and droughts at the other,” said Professor John Sweeney, the lead author of the report said. “However, considerable uncertainty still remains in several areas, particularly in relation to rainfall. A risk management type approach to adaptation will be required to take account of these uncertainties.”
Laura Burke of the EPA said further research was required to “reduce scientific uncertainties and increase confidence in projections for decisions on investment in infrastructure and development”.
The report concludes that there is an urgent need to adopt appropriate mitigation and adaptation responses to the risks posed by climate change, notwithstanding the challenges of recent economic events.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Average temperatures in Ireland will rise by up to 1.8 degrees Celsius by 2050, according to a report published by the EPA today. The report predicts that summer and autumn will warm up faster than winter and spring, with the midlands and east warming more than coastal areas.
The report Climate Change in Ireland: Refining the Impacts for Ireland , also predicts that winter rainfall will increase by 10 per cent, while reductions in summer rainfall of 12 to 17 per cent are projected by 2050.
The largest winter rainfall increases are expected to take place in the midlands and by 2050, reductions in summer rainfall of between 20 and 28 per cent are projected for the southern and eastern coasts.
Longer heat waves and drought may also occur which will be especially important for eastern and southern parts of Ireland, the report states.
“We are looking at changes in extremes at both ends of the spectrum, more rain and more intense rainfall at one end and then heat waves and droughts at the other,” said Professor John Sweeney, the lead author of the report said. “However, considerable uncertainty still remains in several areas, particularly in relation to rainfall. A risk management type approach to adaptation will be required to take account of these uncertainties.”
Laura Burke of the EPA said further research was required to “reduce scientific uncertainties and increase confidence in projections for decisions on investment in infrastructure and development”.
The report concludes that there is an urgent need to adopt appropriate mitigation and adaptation responses to the risks posed by climate change, notwithstanding the challenges of recent economic events.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 26 April 2009
DDDA deals to be investigated
An Oireachtas committee will formally ask the Comptroller & Auditor General when it meets on Tuesday to investigate the dealings of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. The cross-party committee on the environment, chaired by Fine Gael's Phil Hogan, wants the C&AG, John Buckley, to examine the DDDA's activities in the past four years, with particular reference to its two most controversial deals.
Hogan has also accused the DDDA's chief executive, Paul Maloney, of "misleading" his committee when he appeared before it in February and seemed to promise there would be no cuts in the authority's social, cultural and education budget. It later emerged a planned reduction in the budget had been decided last December.
One of the deals the committee will refer to the C&AG for investigation is the €412m purchase in 2006 of the 24-acre site of the old Irish Glass Bottle factory in Poolbeg.
The DDDA is a 26% partner at a cost of €32.8m in the Becbay consortium planning to develop it, along with builder Bernard McNamara and financier Derek Quinlan.
Financing for its acquisition at a price more than €40m above its uppermost valuation at the time was provided by Anglo Irish Bank and AIB.
In 2007, the DDDA valued its quarter-share of the project at €117m but the entire site was valued this spring at no more than €125m and as little as €90m. The disgraced former chairman of Anglo Irish Bank, Sean FitzPatrick, was a board member of the DDDA and his fellow Anglo director Lar Bradshaw was its chairman when it took the unprecedented decision to become a partner in the project.
The second deal to be referred to the C&AG is the North Lotts site where developer Liam Carroll's plan, licensed by the DDDA, to build new headquarters for Anglo Irish Bank was scuppered by a successful High Court challenge by developer Sean Dunne. The project had been fast-tracked by the DDDA in July 2007.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Hogan has also accused the DDDA's chief executive, Paul Maloney, of "misleading" his committee when he appeared before it in February and seemed to promise there would be no cuts in the authority's social, cultural and education budget. It later emerged a planned reduction in the budget had been decided last December.
One of the deals the committee will refer to the C&AG for investigation is the €412m purchase in 2006 of the 24-acre site of the old Irish Glass Bottle factory in Poolbeg.
The DDDA is a 26% partner at a cost of €32.8m in the Becbay consortium planning to develop it, along with builder Bernard McNamara and financier Derek Quinlan.
Financing for its acquisition at a price more than €40m above its uppermost valuation at the time was provided by Anglo Irish Bank and AIB.
In 2007, the DDDA valued its quarter-share of the project at €117m but the entire site was valued this spring at no more than €125m and as little as €90m. The disgraced former chairman of Anglo Irish Bank, Sean FitzPatrick, was a board member of the DDDA and his fellow Anglo director Lar Bradshaw was its chairman when it took the unprecedented decision to become a partner in the project.
The second deal to be referred to the C&AG is the North Lotts site where developer Liam Carroll's plan, licensed by the DDDA, to build new headquarters for Anglo Irish Bank was scuppered by a successful High Court challenge by developer Sean Dunne. The project had been fast-tracked by the DDDA in July 2007.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Trinity College throws developers a lifeline
Developers with housing estates lying empty in Dublin are set for a huge fillip. Trinity College Dublin (TCD) has circulated a requirement for 1,000 student residential units by September 2010, and possibly as many as 3,500 by 2020.
The student residences and associated facilities must be close to the university "or near a public transport system facilitating a maximum commute of approximately 30 minutes", according to documents circulated by the university last week. That means areas as far away as Sandyford and Dun Laoghaire in the south of Dublin and Howth in the north could be considered because of the Luas and the Dart. Large parts of the docklands and Poolbeg would also be suitable.
"The accommodation may be new purpose-built or existing accommodation, modified if necessary, to satisfy the university's requirements," the documents state. Undeveloped sites will also be considered.
"They could possibly get the residences for below build cost," one expert said last week, citing the fall in property values, the number of residential developments lying vacant and some developers' desperate need for working capital.
Consultants Bruce Shaw are handling the process for the university and TCD has said the contract for the chosen sites "will include any required design and other services necessary for its procurement and may also include options for full operation and/or financing".
A contract notice relating to the need for the student accommodation is expected to be published in the second quarter of this year.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
The student residences and associated facilities must be close to the university "or near a public transport system facilitating a maximum commute of approximately 30 minutes", according to documents circulated by the university last week. That means areas as far away as Sandyford and Dun Laoghaire in the south of Dublin and Howth in the north could be considered because of the Luas and the Dart. Large parts of the docklands and Poolbeg would also be suitable.
"The accommodation may be new purpose-built or existing accommodation, modified if necessary, to satisfy the university's requirements," the documents state. Undeveloped sites will also be considered.
"They could possibly get the residences for below build cost," one expert said last week, citing the fall in property values, the number of residential developments lying vacant and some developers' desperate need for working capital.
Consultants Bruce Shaw are handling the process for the university and TCD has said the contract for the chosen sites "will include any required design and other services necessary for its procurement and may also include options for full operation and/or financing".
A contract notice relating to the need for the student accommodation is expected to be published in the second quarter of this year.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Councillor succeeds in getting his own land rezoned
A major row has erupted after a county councillor in Clifden, Galway, sought to have the council rezone his land for development, despite severe objections from the county manager.
With only weeks to go before he seeks re-election, Fianna Fail councillor Josie Conneely, who is a developer, has been criticised for attempting to have 12 acres of land around the Rock Glen Hotel in Clifden, which he owns, rezoned.
One of the main objectors to Mr Conneely's plan is the county coroner Ciaran McLoughlin, in what is being seen locally as a major clash between two of the area's leading figures.
The main issue is that Mr Conneely's hotel is on a very narrow minor road and any additional development along there would be "ridiculous and unworkable", according to an objectors' spokesman.
"The plan is totally unsuitable for the area. The road is so narrow cars can't pass each other and every time there is a burial at the nearby cemetery there is chaos. This can't work," the spokesman said.
Dr McLoughlin declined to comment on the matter but he is known to be willing to fight this all the way.
And it is not just the residents who are opposed to the plan. The county manager Martina Moloney recently informed councillors that the proposed Local Area Plan (LAP) already provides for 100 acres of new residential land, which will provide for around 3,000 new Clifden residents. However, any additional developments are severely restricted under the national guidelines for planning.
Last week, despite the objections of residents and the county manager, a proposal in favour of the rezoning was carried by eight votes to one. Cllr Seamus Walsh (FF), proposed the motion while Cllr Conneely absented himself from the chamber for the discussion and vote.
Defending his decision to propose the rezoning, Mr Walsh told the Sunday Independent: "There are major flaws with the LAP and I am totally in favour of having the road widened to facilitate the development. It is in the interests of the local area to allow this to go forward."
Yesterday, Mr Conneely denied anything he was doing was wrong, and said that he strongly disagreed with the county manager's objections.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent, he said: "The plan as proposed is flawed. At a time when building is being hammered, I am trying to build a major attraction for the area which would provide as many as 50 jobs."
Mr Conneely also attacked Dr McLoughlin and described him and the other objectors as "mere blow-ins". He also accused them of objecting in order to protect their own "cosy" interests.
He said residents had ensured his 2006 plans to build a leisure centre and 24 holiday homes failed, and that failure had cost him a lot of money.
DANIEL McCONNELL Chief Reporter
Sunday Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
With only weeks to go before he seeks re-election, Fianna Fail councillor Josie Conneely, who is a developer, has been criticised for attempting to have 12 acres of land around the Rock Glen Hotel in Clifden, which he owns, rezoned.
One of the main objectors to Mr Conneely's plan is the county coroner Ciaran McLoughlin, in what is being seen locally as a major clash between two of the area's leading figures.
The main issue is that Mr Conneely's hotel is on a very narrow minor road and any additional development along there would be "ridiculous and unworkable", according to an objectors' spokesman.
"The plan is totally unsuitable for the area. The road is so narrow cars can't pass each other and every time there is a burial at the nearby cemetery there is chaos. This can't work," the spokesman said.
Dr McLoughlin declined to comment on the matter but he is known to be willing to fight this all the way.
And it is not just the residents who are opposed to the plan. The county manager Martina Moloney recently informed councillors that the proposed Local Area Plan (LAP) already provides for 100 acres of new residential land, which will provide for around 3,000 new Clifden residents. However, any additional developments are severely restricted under the national guidelines for planning.
Last week, despite the objections of residents and the county manager, a proposal in favour of the rezoning was carried by eight votes to one. Cllr Seamus Walsh (FF), proposed the motion while Cllr Conneely absented himself from the chamber for the discussion and vote.
Defending his decision to propose the rezoning, Mr Walsh told the Sunday Independent: "There are major flaws with the LAP and I am totally in favour of having the road widened to facilitate the development. It is in the interests of the local area to allow this to go forward."
Yesterday, Mr Conneely denied anything he was doing was wrong, and said that he strongly disagreed with the county manager's objections.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent, he said: "The plan as proposed is flawed. At a time when building is being hammered, I am trying to build a major attraction for the area which would provide as many as 50 jobs."
Mr Conneely also attacked Dr McLoughlin and described him and the other objectors as "mere blow-ins". He also accused them of objecting in order to protect their own "cosy" interests.
He said residents had ensured his 2006 plans to build a leisure centre and 24 holiday homes failed, and that failure had cost him a lot of money.
DANIEL McCONNELL Chief Reporter
Sunday Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Millionaire developer changes his Ailesbury Road address
Developer Bernard McNamara has changed his official registered address from affluent Ailesbury Road in Dublin 4 to an office building on Pembroke Street in Dublin's business district.
There has been sustained speculation for almost a year that McNamara has put his Ailesbury Road home on the market. The house comes with complete with cinema, ballroom and underground swimming pool.
McNamara has lodged documents with the Companies Office to change his address as a company director to No 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4, the headquarters for many of McNamara's companies
A number of McNamara's companies have highlighted the severity of the property downturn in their accounts in recent months.
The developer owes large sums to several Irish banks and has been in communication with them about his financial position.
Reports have circulated among Dublin estate agents that the house on Ailesbury Road had been bought by the daughter of a well-known businessman for about €10m after being sold through estate agent Finnegan Menton.
That was denied at the time by McNamara's spokesman James Morrissey of PR agency Fleishman Hillard.
Morrissey did not return calls last week to answer queries on McNamara's decision to change his home address as a director.
Morrissey and McNamara are listed as directors of a company called Varleigh, which is due in the big business division of the High Court on Monday.
Morrissey and Varleigh are seeking to have the Commercial Court hear a case against Ronan McNamee, who founded Cuisine de France.
Varleigh owns land and buildings on the Belgard Road in Tallaght which are let to pharmaceutical wholesaler Uniphar, according to mortgage documents lodged with the Companies Office. The mortgage was given by Ulster Bank.
Varleigh's accounts for the period ended 31 March 2007 show it had after-tax losses of more than €1.1m and assets worth €59m.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
There has been sustained speculation for almost a year that McNamara has put his Ailesbury Road home on the market. The house comes with complete with cinema, ballroom and underground swimming pool.
McNamara has lodged documents with the Companies Office to change his address as a company director to No 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4, the headquarters for many of McNamara's companies
A number of McNamara's companies have highlighted the severity of the property downturn in their accounts in recent months.
The developer owes large sums to several Irish banks and has been in communication with them about his financial position.
Reports have circulated among Dublin estate agents that the house on Ailesbury Road had been bought by the daughter of a well-known businessman for about €10m after being sold through estate agent Finnegan Menton.
That was denied at the time by McNamara's spokesman James Morrissey of PR agency Fleishman Hillard.
Morrissey did not return calls last week to answer queries on McNamara's decision to change his home address as a director.
Morrissey and McNamara are listed as directors of a company called Varleigh, which is due in the big business division of the High Court on Monday.
Morrissey and Varleigh are seeking to have the Commercial Court hear a case against Ronan McNamee, who founded Cuisine de France.
Varleigh owns land and buildings on the Belgard Road in Tallaght which are let to pharmaceutical wholesaler Uniphar, according to mortgage documents lodged with the Companies Office. The mortgage was given by Ulster Bank.
Varleigh's accounts for the period ended 31 March 2007 show it had after-tax losses of more than €1.1m and assets worth €59m.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
'No scope for wasting public resources' on zonings, says 2009 Bill
THE 2009 Planning Amendment Bill, due to be published shortly, is to make it clear there will be “no scope for wasting public resources on poorly located and excessive zonings”, according to a senior official involved in drafting it.
John Martin, principal planning adviser in the Department of the Environment, said yesterday that one of the main aims would be to “achieve more sustainable settlement patterns” – in contrast to the urban sprawl of recent years.
Addressing the Irish Planning Institute’s annual conference in Wexford, he said planners should ensure that development plans and local area plans were in place “to underpin recovery in the housing market, whenever that happens”.
Planners also needed to respond to the economic crisis by promoting development that created jobs, particularly “knowledge economy” employment, in cities and towns designated as gateways and hubs in the 2002 National Spatial Strategy (NSS).
Mr Martin said a review of the NSS had shown “unsustainable settlement patterns” in the commuter catchment areas of gateway towns. But despite a “significant change in circumstances” since 2002, its fundamental policy aims were still valid.
Reviews of regional planning guidelines would include an economic analysis of each region as well as guidance on the local economic strategies, he said, adding that the new Planning Bill would strengthen links between local and regional planning.
It would also “provide a rational and transparent basis for proposed zonings” of land as well as establishing the principle that any material changes made by councillors after a plan had been on public display “cannot include additional zonings”.
The Bill would also take account of last July’s European Court ruling against Ireland in the Derrybrien mudslide case by introducing new rules for environmental impact assessments. This would raise a “major issue” in relation to unauthorised quarries.
Mr Martin said a separate Bill would deal with offshore developments such as wind and tidal energy, recognising that such projects had the potential to “make a major contribution to the achievement of national energy and climate change objectives”.
Mayor of Clare Madeleine Taylor-Quinn, who is in her 30th year as a councillor, said she and her colleagues were “an absolutely necessary and integral part of the democratic process”, rather than a luxury the country could no longer afford.
She pointed out that councillors accounted for just 0.65 per cent of Clare County Council’s budget. “We have a particularly important function in making the county development plan, voicing the desires and aspirations of the community”.
Laois county manager Peter Carey challenged planners to engage with other agencies, instead of “operating in a bubble, with a localised mindset”; otherwise, they would not be able to achieve the objectives set out in a county development plan.
Successes cited by Mr Carey included the planning of new schools in Portlaoise and the development of an “inland port” on 300-acre site at the M8/M9 interchange, which will include large-scale warehousing and logistics as well as a national train depot.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
John Martin, principal planning adviser in the Department of the Environment, said yesterday that one of the main aims would be to “achieve more sustainable settlement patterns” – in contrast to the urban sprawl of recent years.
Addressing the Irish Planning Institute’s annual conference in Wexford, he said planners should ensure that development plans and local area plans were in place “to underpin recovery in the housing market, whenever that happens”.
Planners also needed to respond to the economic crisis by promoting development that created jobs, particularly “knowledge economy” employment, in cities and towns designated as gateways and hubs in the 2002 National Spatial Strategy (NSS).
Mr Martin said a review of the NSS had shown “unsustainable settlement patterns” in the commuter catchment areas of gateway towns. But despite a “significant change in circumstances” since 2002, its fundamental policy aims were still valid.
Reviews of regional planning guidelines would include an economic analysis of each region as well as guidance on the local economic strategies, he said, adding that the new Planning Bill would strengthen links between local and regional planning.
It would also “provide a rational and transparent basis for proposed zonings” of land as well as establishing the principle that any material changes made by councillors after a plan had been on public display “cannot include additional zonings”.
The Bill would also take account of last July’s European Court ruling against Ireland in the Derrybrien mudslide case by introducing new rules for environmental impact assessments. This would raise a “major issue” in relation to unauthorised quarries.
Mr Martin said a separate Bill would deal with offshore developments such as wind and tidal energy, recognising that such projects had the potential to “make a major contribution to the achievement of national energy and climate change objectives”.
Mayor of Clare Madeleine Taylor-Quinn, who is in her 30th year as a councillor, said she and her colleagues were “an absolutely necessary and integral part of the democratic process”, rather than a luxury the country could no longer afford.
She pointed out that councillors accounted for just 0.65 per cent of Clare County Council’s budget. “We have a particularly important function in making the county development plan, voicing the desires and aspirations of the community”.
Laois county manager Peter Carey challenged planners to engage with other agencies, instead of “operating in a bubble, with a localised mindset”; otherwise, they would not be able to achieve the objectives set out in a county development plan.
Successes cited by Mr Carey included the planning of new schools in Portlaoise and the development of an “inland port” on 300-acre site at the M8/M9 interchange, which will include large-scale warehousing and logistics as well as a national train depot.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 24 April 2009
National Development Plan
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT plan (NDP) capital expenditure is expected to decrease by almost 20 per cent in 2009 according to
Spending on transport and justice will see the biggest drop, decreasing by 24 per cent and 34 per cent respectively.
In 2008, the government spent almost €1 billion on public transport programmes. In 2009, this figure is expected to drop to €628 million.
Expenditure on prisons, courthouses and Garda stations under the NDP amounted to €232.8 million in 2008. It is estimated this expenditure will total €153.3 million in 2009.
Current expenditure under the NDP is expected to increase in 2009, with increases expected in education, social inclusion and housing programmes.
In 2008, the government spent €539.1 million on grants to VEC’s, adult education and student support. In 2009, it is predicted the spending will total €712 million.
Current expenditure on housing programmes is set to be €730 million in 2009, up from €564.4 million in 2008. Total national development plan expenditure amounted to more than €25 billion in 2008, while it is estimated that expenditure for 2009 will total nearly €24 billion.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Spending on transport and justice will see the biggest drop, decreasing by 24 per cent and 34 per cent respectively.
In 2008, the government spent almost €1 billion on public transport programmes. In 2009, this figure is expected to drop to €628 million.
Expenditure on prisons, courthouses and Garda stations under the NDP amounted to €232.8 million in 2008. It is estimated this expenditure will total €153.3 million in 2009.
Current expenditure under the NDP is expected to increase in 2009, with increases expected in education, social inclusion and housing programmes.
In 2008, the government spent €539.1 million on grants to VEC’s, adult education and student support. In 2009, it is predicted the spending will total €712 million.
Current expenditure on housing programmes is set to be €730 million in 2009, up from €564.4 million in 2008. Total national development plan expenditure amounted to more than €25 billion in 2008, while it is estimated that expenditure for 2009 will total nearly €24 billion.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Carlton cinema plan 'positive' for 1916 site - architect
THE PROPOSED redevelopment of the Carlton cinema site on Dublin’s O’Connell Street will have a “positive impact” on buildings used during the 1916 Rising, An Bord Pleanála has heard.
Gráinne Shaffrey, of Shaffrey Associates Architects, said the “Dublin Central” plan would give 16 Moore Street, “the final headquarters of the rebel leaders”, and surrounding buildings a role in the regeneration of the area.
Ms Shaffrey was commissioned by Dublin City Council to carry out the architectural and historical assessment of Number 16 and recommended its inclusion on the record of protected structures.
At yesterday’s sitting of the oral hearing on the €1.25 billion mixed-use plan by developers Chartered Land, Ms Shaffrey said it was proposed Number 16 become a “commemorative centre”. She said trying to protect the national monument buildings at 14-17 Moore Street would “involve some change”.
Ms Shaffrey said the buildings had previously only “presented themselves publicly” on Moore Street but the proposed redevelopment would give them a “much more three-dimensional role”.
She said: “Overall we would conclude it’s not a negative impact and indeed in bringing them back into focus, the buildings themselves, it’s a positive impact.”
Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan told the hearing he believed the political and historical value of the Moore Street buildings was “almost incalculable”. He added: “I wouldn’t trust that site to the hands of developers. I think it’s much too important.”
David Slattery, the project’s conservation architect, said O’Connell Street was in a “pretty horrendous” state from Henry Street up to Parnell Street. He said he had been surprised at the number of buildings with bouncers on the door, “even at 11 o’clock in the morning”.
He was particularly critical of the facade of Dr Quirkey’s Good Time Emporium.
Mr Slattery said the redevelopment proposal would not compromise O’Connell Street architecturally but would be “significantly beneficial”.
Earlier, Eamon Galligan SC, for the applicant, said the height of the scheme had been “radically altered” from 13 to eight storeys.
It would be 1.6m lower than the top of Clerys department store, according to Dublin Central Architects, the partnership which designed the scheme.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Gráinne Shaffrey, of Shaffrey Associates Architects, said the “Dublin Central” plan would give 16 Moore Street, “the final headquarters of the rebel leaders”, and surrounding buildings a role in the regeneration of the area.
Ms Shaffrey was commissioned by Dublin City Council to carry out the architectural and historical assessment of Number 16 and recommended its inclusion on the record of protected structures.
At yesterday’s sitting of the oral hearing on the €1.25 billion mixed-use plan by developers Chartered Land, Ms Shaffrey said it was proposed Number 16 become a “commemorative centre”. She said trying to protect the national monument buildings at 14-17 Moore Street would “involve some change”.
Ms Shaffrey said the buildings had previously only “presented themselves publicly” on Moore Street but the proposed redevelopment would give them a “much more three-dimensional role”.
She said: “Overall we would conclude it’s not a negative impact and indeed in bringing them back into focus, the buildings themselves, it’s a positive impact.”
Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan told the hearing he believed the political and historical value of the Moore Street buildings was “almost incalculable”. He added: “I wouldn’t trust that site to the hands of developers. I think it’s much too important.”
David Slattery, the project’s conservation architect, said O’Connell Street was in a “pretty horrendous” state from Henry Street up to Parnell Street. He said he had been surprised at the number of buildings with bouncers on the door, “even at 11 o’clock in the morning”.
He was particularly critical of the facade of Dr Quirkey’s Good Time Emporium.
Mr Slattery said the redevelopment proposal would not compromise O’Connell Street architecturally but would be “significantly beneficial”.
Earlier, Eamon Galligan SC, for the applicant, said the height of the scheme had been “radically altered” from 13 to eight storeys.
It would be 1.6m lower than the top of Clerys department store, according to Dublin Central Architects, the partnership which designed the scheme.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Metro key part of Dublin's economic future - Ryan
MINISTER FOR Communications Eamon Ryan has strongly defended plans to build Metro North, describing the proposed €5 billion project as a key element of Dublin’s economic future.
Mr Ryan told the annual conference of the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) it would be “blind stupidity” not to recognise that the development of a metro and the proposed Dart underground link between Heuston and Docklands were essential for Dublin to compete in the world economy.
“Failing to make that investment, losing our bottle, will leave us with a car-based transport system. So it has to go ahead, even in these difficult times.”
Equally, failing to build an electricity grid to cater for a huge increase in wind energy along the western seaboard would render Ireland insecure. He said it wasn’t technically feasible to put this underground, so “by and large, it will be overhead power lines”.
IPI president Andrew Hind said reform of the “almost crazily fragmented and confused” local government system in Ireland was needed to make the country more competitive.
“We need a planning system that itself is efficient, effective and sustainable and, in turn, will deliver an economy that is more competitive and more sustainable in the future.”
He told the depleted ranks of planners attending the conference – down by 50 per cent since the peak of the boom – that Ireland needed a planning system that stopped bad development but also placed fewer impediments in the way of good development.
Many people saw the current system as “nothing but unnecessary red tape” because it sometimes put at least as many obstacles in the way of development that should be encouraged as it placed in the path of the development that should be refused.
“There will be significant benefits both to users of the planning system and to the rebuilding of our economy if we can remove impediments to sustainable development without compromising our ability to resist development that is inappropriate or unsustainable,” he said.
Referring to the fact that 88 of the 114 local authorities exercise planning functions, Mr Hind said this was “too many” for a population of just over four million. As a result, users of the system found it “almost crazily fragmented and confused”.
“What signal is this giving to those who want to invest in the development of our country,” he asked, saying this needed to be tackled “if we are to present a coherent front” to investors creating sustainable employment and economic growth.
He suggested that the process of making local area plans should be improved.
If this was done, “then it might be possible to allow planning applications that were consistent with them to be approved without the risk of appeal by a third party”.
In order to achieve this, there would need to be an independent assessment by An Bord Pleanála of objections made by the public as well as elements of any plan changed by elected members against official advice, on land rezoning, for example.
Referring to the fact that processing of even an average planning application is subsidised by €1,500, Mr Hind said the cost should be met by the charges paid by applicants, “thereby releasing taxpayers’ money for purposes that are more urgent”.
Dealing with transport, Mr Hind said “we seem to think we get better value for money from lavish road schemes directed almost exclusively at the private car” than by investing in low-cost projects to improve accessibility for those walking or cycling to work.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Mr Ryan told the annual conference of the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) it would be “blind stupidity” not to recognise that the development of a metro and the proposed Dart underground link between Heuston and Docklands were essential for Dublin to compete in the world economy.
“Failing to make that investment, losing our bottle, will leave us with a car-based transport system. So it has to go ahead, even in these difficult times.”
Equally, failing to build an electricity grid to cater for a huge increase in wind energy along the western seaboard would render Ireland insecure. He said it wasn’t technically feasible to put this underground, so “by and large, it will be overhead power lines”.
IPI president Andrew Hind said reform of the “almost crazily fragmented and confused” local government system in Ireland was needed to make the country more competitive.
“We need a planning system that itself is efficient, effective and sustainable and, in turn, will deliver an economy that is more competitive and more sustainable in the future.”
He told the depleted ranks of planners attending the conference – down by 50 per cent since the peak of the boom – that Ireland needed a planning system that stopped bad development but also placed fewer impediments in the way of good development.
Many people saw the current system as “nothing but unnecessary red tape” because it sometimes put at least as many obstacles in the way of development that should be encouraged as it placed in the path of the development that should be refused.
“There will be significant benefits both to users of the planning system and to the rebuilding of our economy if we can remove impediments to sustainable development without compromising our ability to resist development that is inappropriate or unsustainable,” he said.
Referring to the fact that 88 of the 114 local authorities exercise planning functions, Mr Hind said this was “too many” for a population of just over four million. As a result, users of the system found it “almost crazily fragmented and confused”.
“What signal is this giving to those who want to invest in the development of our country,” he asked, saying this needed to be tackled “if we are to present a coherent front” to investors creating sustainable employment and economic growth.
He suggested that the process of making local area plans should be improved.
If this was done, “then it might be possible to allow planning applications that were consistent with them to be approved without the risk of appeal by a third party”.
In order to achieve this, there would need to be an independent assessment by An Bord Pleanála of objections made by the public as well as elements of any plan changed by elected members against official advice, on land rezoning, for example.
Referring to the fact that processing of even an average planning application is subsidised by €1,500, Mr Hind said the cost should be met by the charges paid by applicants, “thereby releasing taxpayers’ money for purposes that are more urgent”.
Dealing with transport, Mr Hind said “we seem to think we get better value for money from lavish road schemes directed almost exclusively at the private car” than by investing in low-cost projects to improve accessibility for those walking or cycling to work.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Council backs rush-hour ban on cars in city centre
DUBLIN City councillors have voted to ban cars from the capital's main thoroughfare but only during morning and evening rush hours.
Instead of imposing a 24-hour seven-day a week ban as originally proposed, members of the Transport Committee instead decided to scale back the ban and review it six months after it begins operating.
The move came because of concerns from city traders that up to 2,500 jobs could be lost in the city centre if private cars were banned from using Dame Street, College Green, Westmoreland Street and College Street.
Members of the committee voted unanimously to impose the ban which will operate Monday to Friday from 7am to 10pm and 4pm to 7pm.
But the full council has yet to vote on the proposal, meaning the first option -- a complete ban at all times -- could yet be imposed.
Debated
The full council will meet in May where the issue will be debated, but it is expected the ban will be imposed and implemented in July.
Council transport planners said that less than 6pc of cars entering the city boundary would be affected in the morning period because few travel along the affected route.
But introducing the measure would lead to improved journey times for Dublin Bus services -- 60pc of which pass through the affected area -- and which cost the company €3m because of congestion.
In a worst case scenario there would be a "low level" of impact on retail outlets, Brendan O'Brien said, adding that the move to introduce the ban at peak periods would benefit 45pc of bus services. The move would be reviewed when other public transport measures -- including construction of two bridges across the River Liffey, implementation of real-time information on bus times and integrated ticketing -- were delivered.
Fine Gael's Paddy McCartan said the move was being "rushed", and cautioned against any proposal which would reduce the number of shoppers in the city.
But Cllr Deirdre Heney (FF) said if the move wasn't done by the council, it would be imposed upon it.
"We must improve public transport," she said. "Buses are hugely cost-effective and we have to facilitate them. I think if we don't do it it will be forced upon us in the form of a congestion charge. I believe we should get on with it."
The Dail Transport Committee will today hear submissions on the issue.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Instead of imposing a 24-hour seven-day a week ban as originally proposed, members of the Transport Committee instead decided to scale back the ban and review it six months after it begins operating.
The move came because of concerns from city traders that up to 2,500 jobs could be lost in the city centre if private cars were banned from using Dame Street, College Green, Westmoreland Street and College Street.
Members of the committee voted unanimously to impose the ban which will operate Monday to Friday from 7am to 10pm and 4pm to 7pm.
But the full council has yet to vote on the proposal, meaning the first option -- a complete ban at all times -- could yet be imposed.
Debated
The full council will meet in May where the issue will be debated, but it is expected the ban will be imposed and implemented in July.
Council transport planners said that less than 6pc of cars entering the city boundary would be affected in the morning period because few travel along the affected route.
But introducing the measure would lead to improved journey times for Dublin Bus services -- 60pc of which pass through the affected area -- and which cost the company €3m because of congestion.
In a worst case scenario there would be a "low level" of impact on retail outlets, Brendan O'Brien said, adding that the move to introduce the ban at peak periods would benefit 45pc of bus services. The move would be reviewed when other public transport measures -- including construction of two bridges across the River Liffey, implementation of real-time information on bus times and integrated ticketing -- were delivered.
Fine Gael's Paddy McCartan said the move was being "rushed", and cautioned against any proposal which would reduce the number of shoppers in the city.
But Cllr Deirdre Heney (FF) said if the move wasn't done by the council, it would be imposed upon it.
"We must improve public transport," she said. "Buses are hugely cost-effective and we have to facilitate them. I think if we don't do it it will be forced upon us in the form of a congestion charge. I believe we should get on with it."
The Dail Transport Committee will today hear submissions on the issue.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Anger as €100m shopping centre plans vetoed
A €100 MILLION shopping centre which had the backing of several thousand people in the north Cork area has been refused.
The proposed Shipton Group complex for Fermoy would have created hundred of jobs, it was claimed.
Anger is mounting locally over the An Bord Pleanála decision to turn down the scheme. The developers had, in recent years, created the highly successful Blackpool Shopping Centre in Cork city. Shipton Group had sought permission to build a massive retail, office and apartment complex on the site of the former mart in Fermoy.
An Bord Pleanála refused the largest project ever earmarked for the town, believing it would be detrimental to the core town centre trading. The board said, if approved, the development would result in a huge increase in Fermoy’s retail capacity which would be out of scale with other towns of a similar size.
The board also said the height, scale and layout of the project would be "visually incongruous" and would adversely affect the adjoining architectural conservation areas and the setting of protected structures at Lisieux Villas and O’Rahilly Row.
In the report published yesterday, it was also pointed out the development was proposed for an area at risk of flooding. Planners stated that the project could actually exacerbate the effects of flooding in an area adjacent to the River Blackwater.
The initial planning application was turned down by Fermoy Town Council last year. But such was the local dismay that town mayor Cllr Tadhg O’Donovan helped to raise a petition supporting the development and more than 3,000 people signed it which was submitted to the board when the Shipton Group lodged its appeal.
Fermoy town councillor Seamus Coleman said he was bitterly disappointed with the decision. "I don’t accept that Fermoy would have too many retail units if the development was allowed to proceed. This would have created badly-needed new jobs, not just in the town, but in the area as a whole. Fermoy and Mitchelstown have both suffered in recent years from hundreds of job losses," the Sinn Féin councillor said.
Mr Coleman said many Fermoy people went shopping in Midleton, Mallow and Mahon Point simply because they didn’t have the variety of outlets available in other towns.
Deputy Seán Sherlock also criticised the decision. "This is a crazy decision... There has to be an immediate return to the drawing board on these plans, which must be facilitated in one way or another. Fermoy can’t afford to lose out on this opportunity," the Labour TD said.
A spokesman for the Shipton Group said it was surprised and disappointed.
Iris Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The proposed Shipton Group complex for Fermoy would have created hundred of jobs, it was claimed.
Anger is mounting locally over the An Bord Pleanála decision to turn down the scheme. The developers had, in recent years, created the highly successful Blackpool Shopping Centre in Cork city. Shipton Group had sought permission to build a massive retail, office and apartment complex on the site of the former mart in Fermoy.
An Bord Pleanála refused the largest project ever earmarked for the town, believing it would be detrimental to the core town centre trading. The board said, if approved, the development would result in a huge increase in Fermoy’s retail capacity which would be out of scale with other towns of a similar size.
The board also said the height, scale and layout of the project would be "visually incongruous" and would adversely affect the adjoining architectural conservation areas and the setting of protected structures at Lisieux Villas and O’Rahilly Row.
In the report published yesterday, it was also pointed out the development was proposed for an area at risk of flooding. Planners stated that the project could actually exacerbate the effects of flooding in an area adjacent to the River Blackwater.
The initial planning application was turned down by Fermoy Town Council last year. But such was the local dismay that town mayor Cllr Tadhg O’Donovan helped to raise a petition supporting the development and more than 3,000 people signed it which was submitted to the board when the Shipton Group lodged its appeal.
Fermoy town councillor Seamus Coleman said he was bitterly disappointed with the decision. "I don’t accept that Fermoy would have too many retail units if the development was allowed to proceed. This would have created badly-needed new jobs, not just in the town, but in the area as a whole. Fermoy and Mitchelstown have both suffered in recent years from hundreds of job losses," the Sinn Féin councillor said.
Mr Coleman said many Fermoy people went shopping in Midleton, Mallow and Mahon Point simply because they didn’t have the variety of outlets available in other towns.
Deputy Seán Sherlock also criticised the decision. "This is a crazy decision... There has to be an immediate return to the drawing board on these plans, which must be facilitated in one way or another. Fermoy can’t afford to lose out on this opportunity," the Labour TD said.
A spokesman for the Shipton Group said it was surprised and disappointed.
Iris Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Objections mount against Doolin Cave tourist development
PLANS TO build a visitor centre at Doolin Cave in north Clare have run into opposition from An Taisce, the Pol an Ionáin Action Group and the operators of the rival cave attraction, Ailwee Caves.
Doolin couple John and Helen Browne opened the cave on the western edge of the Burren to the public three years ago. The highlight of the cave is the 8.3m-tall Pol an Ionáin stalactite. The Brownes say the cave is not viable as a tourism venture without on-site facilities – visitors are brought by bus from Doolin.
In response to an application lodged with Clare County Council, the director of Ailwee Caves, Adam Johnson, has urged the council to refuse planning permission for the rival venture.
Mr Johnson states that recently, “ . . . visitor numbers to the region have dwindled and there can be no doubt that the further development of Doolin cave in such close proximity to Ailwee Cave will result in an overall loss of business in both consequent job losses and decreased spin-off for other local businesses.
“In this current economic climate, more job losses is something that both private enterprise and public bodies have got to work side by side in avoiding at all costs. Refusing this application will go some way in helping to make sure that this does not happen.”
In a separate objection, Gabriel Casey of the Pol an Ionáin Action Group states: “Proposed benefits to the local economy are unfounded. The most likely scenario is that the proposed visitor centre facility would result in less visitors stopping off at the local village and less money being spent in shops and restaurants.”
“The proposed development would have a severe impact on duplicate and other businesses in the north Clare area. We ask that this very unspoilt part of the Burren remain as it is. It is our opinion that present planning regulation and planning precedent afford it the protection it needs.”
An Taisce submits that the development “contravenes the entire basis on which An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the opening of Pol an Ionáin cave as a show cave.”
In its objection, the organisation representing caving enthusiasts, Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI) said that it “is not opposed to show cave development and indeed welcome the education of the public about caves.
“However, we consider Pol an Ionáin is not suitable for development of one unique, irreplaceable feature and raises too many unnecessary threats to it.” A decision is due on the application next month.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Doolin couple John and Helen Browne opened the cave on the western edge of the Burren to the public three years ago. The highlight of the cave is the 8.3m-tall Pol an Ionáin stalactite. The Brownes say the cave is not viable as a tourism venture without on-site facilities – visitors are brought by bus from Doolin.
In response to an application lodged with Clare County Council, the director of Ailwee Caves, Adam Johnson, has urged the council to refuse planning permission for the rival venture.
Mr Johnson states that recently, “ . . . visitor numbers to the region have dwindled and there can be no doubt that the further development of Doolin cave in such close proximity to Ailwee Cave will result in an overall loss of business in both consequent job losses and decreased spin-off for other local businesses.
“In this current economic climate, more job losses is something that both private enterprise and public bodies have got to work side by side in avoiding at all costs. Refusing this application will go some way in helping to make sure that this does not happen.”
In a separate objection, Gabriel Casey of the Pol an Ionáin Action Group states: “Proposed benefits to the local economy are unfounded. The most likely scenario is that the proposed visitor centre facility would result in less visitors stopping off at the local village and less money being spent in shops and restaurants.”
“The proposed development would have a severe impact on duplicate and other businesses in the north Clare area. We ask that this very unspoilt part of the Burren remain as it is. It is our opinion that present planning regulation and planning precedent afford it the protection it needs.”
An Taisce submits that the development “contravenes the entire basis on which An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the opening of Pol an Ionáin cave as a show cave.”
In its objection, the organisation representing caving enthusiasts, Speleological Union of Ireland (SUI) said that it “is not opposed to show cave development and indeed welcome the education of the public about caves.
“However, we consider Pol an Ionáin is not suitable for development of one unique, irreplaceable feature and raises too many unnecessary threats to it.” A decision is due on the application next month.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Council using non-compliant quarries
KERRY COUNTY Council has admitted it is buying material from some quarries which are not in compliance with planning for their operations, and in a small number of cases is purchasing material from operators in the county who have been in serious breach of planning.
The quarries and their operators are the subject of warning notices issued by the council’s planning department in recent months, and a small number of the suppliers were the subject of enforcement proceedings.
Senior officers said the council would stop purchasing material where serious breaches continued. However, the quarries would be allowed some months’ grace.
The admission was made to Independent councillor Brendan Cronin, who asked for details of all unauthorised quarries in Kerry which were the subject of active enforcement proceedings, and details of all quarries and if any of these were supplying materials to the council.
Mr Cronin said the fact that the council was purchasing some of its materials from operations not in compliance with planning was not good enough from a public confidence point of view.
“We cannot be the police officers and be purchasing from them at the same time. It’s sending two different messages out and undermines public confidence.”
The director of planning, Michael McMahon, told the councillor in a report there were 20 quarries against whom warning letters had been issued over recent months “regarding various levels of non-compliance” after planning officers visited them to check on planning conditions laid down by the council on registration in 2004.
He believed there had been a positive response from most of the 20, but a small number would be the subject of enforcement proceedings.
There were also seven quarries unauthorised, and enforcement proceedings were in train against these.
Two of these were also supplying the council, according to documentation released to Mr Cronin.
“There are people out there at the moment from whom we are purchasing material not in 100 per cent compliance with planning conditions,” Mr McMahon told a council meeting.
However, he said the requirement that quarries register with the planning authority was comparatively recent. Quarries had been unregulated since 1964 and had only been brought into the process in 2004.
Mr McMahon said planning officers would be revisiting to check on compliance with conditions imposed by the council, and it was reasonable to allow people time to get their houses in order.
The council’s head of finance, John O’Connor, told this month’s council meeting that Mr Cronin was “preaching to the converted”. In future where the planning office discovered a serious breach, the council would stop purchasing material from the operator and there would be no period of grace.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The quarries and their operators are the subject of warning notices issued by the council’s planning department in recent months, and a small number of the suppliers were the subject of enforcement proceedings.
Senior officers said the council would stop purchasing material where serious breaches continued. However, the quarries would be allowed some months’ grace.
The admission was made to Independent councillor Brendan Cronin, who asked for details of all unauthorised quarries in Kerry which were the subject of active enforcement proceedings, and details of all quarries and if any of these were supplying materials to the council.
Mr Cronin said the fact that the council was purchasing some of its materials from operations not in compliance with planning was not good enough from a public confidence point of view.
“We cannot be the police officers and be purchasing from them at the same time. It’s sending two different messages out and undermines public confidence.”
The director of planning, Michael McMahon, told the councillor in a report there were 20 quarries against whom warning letters had been issued over recent months “regarding various levels of non-compliance” after planning officers visited them to check on planning conditions laid down by the council on registration in 2004.
He believed there had been a positive response from most of the 20, but a small number would be the subject of enforcement proceedings.
There were also seven quarries unauthorised, and enforcement proceedings were in train against these.
Two of these were also supplying the council, according to documentation released to Mr Cronin.
“There are people out there at the moment from whom we are purchasing material not in 100 per cent compliance with planning conditions,” Mr McMahon told a council meeting.
However, he said the requirement that quarries register with the planning authority was comparatively recent. Quarries had been unregulated since 1964 and had only been brought into the process in 2004.
Mr McMahon said planning officers would be revisiting to check on compliance with conditions imposed by the council, and it was reasonable to allow people time to get their houses in order.
The council’s head of finance, John O’Connor, told this month’s council meeting that Mr Cronin was “preaching to the converted”. In future where the planning office discovered a serious breach, the council would stop purchasing material from the operator and there would be no period of grace.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Carlton site plan would be a 'gross overdevelopment'
THE PROPOSED redevelopment of the Carlton cinema site in Dublin city centre would constitute gross overdevelopment and could have an adverse impact on many protected structures, An Bord Pleanála has been told.
The appeal hearing on the project heard that the €1.25 billion scheme would be highly obtrusive and could damage the visual amenity of the area.
Orlagh Cawley, on behalf of the National Graves Association, said the design of the project marks a stark contrast to the prevailing building heights and densities.
Ms Cawley said the plan provides for a potential “irreversible impact” on the architecture of Moore Street and O’Connell Street and could result in the complete removal of part of Dublin’s historical streetscape, Moore Lane and Henry Place. “The impact of the proposed development will constitute gross overdevelopment and over-intensification” she said.
The proposed redevelopment of the 5.5 acre site includes a four-storey “park in the sky”, a branch of British department store John Lewis, almost 100 shops, 64 apartments, 17 restaurants, a theatre space and 2,868sq m of offices.
The area would include three new public squares, two new streets, and would involve the relocation of two protected structures: the 19th-century O’Connell Hall, and the facade of the former Carlton cinema. Developers Chartered Land say the scheme would make a “positive and powerful contribution to the city”.
Damien Cassidy of the National Heritage and Conservation Group said the developers clearly consider the Carlton site to be a brownfield building site devoid of any architectural merit, historic and cultural importance.
Mr Cassidy said the inclusion of the national monument on Moore Street would “destroy the authenticity” of the surrender headquarters of the 1916 volunteers. Mr Cassidy said that the development of the nearby Arnotts site meant there would be no shortage of retail space in the area and that there was already an abundance of vacant office space.
Among third-party appellants opposed to the scheme were Treasury Holdings, An Taisce and the families of the signatories of the Proclamation of Independence. The hearing continues today.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The appeal hearing on the project heard that the €1.25 billion scheme would be highly obtrusive and could damage the visual amenity of the area.
Orlagh Cawley, on behalf of the National Graves Association, said the design of the project marks a stark contrast to the prevailing building heights and densities.
Ms Cawley said the plan provides for a potential “irreversible impact” on the architecture of Moore Street and O’Connell Street and could result in the complete removal of part of Dublin’s historical streetscape, Moore Lane and Henry Place. “The impact of the proposed development will constitute gross overdevelopment and over-intensification” she said.
The proposed redevelopment of the 5.5 acre site includes a four-storey “park in the sky”, a branch of British department store John Lewis, almost 100 shops, 64 apartments, 17 restaurants, a theatre space and 2,868sq m of offices.
The area would include three new public squares, two new streets, and would involve the relocation of two protected structures: the 19th-century O’Connell Hall, and the facade of the former Carlton cinema. Developers Chartered Land say the scheme would make a “positive and powerful contribution to the city”.
Damien Cassidy of the National Heritage and Conservation Group said the developers clearly consider the Carlton site to be a brownfield building site devoid of any architectural merit, historic and cultural importance.
Mr Cassidy said the inclusion of the national monument on Moore Street would “destroy the authenticity” of the surrender headquarters of the 1916 volunteers. Mr Cassidy said that the development of the nearby Arnotts site meant there would be no shortage of retail space in the area and that there was already an abundance of vacant office space.
Among third-party appellants opposed to the scheme were Treasury Holdings, An Taisce and the families of the signatories of the Proclamation of Independence. The hearing continues today.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
'Bus gate' plans for Dublin city centre to be scaled back
DUBLIN CITY Council intends to scale back significantly its plans for a “bus gate” at College Green despite warnings from Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey that he wants the car-free zone in place by July.
The council’s traffic department had proposed a 24-hour public-transport-only route from Dame Street across College Green to Westmoreland Street.
A similar restriction would be in place for private traffic coming in the opposite direction, from D’Olier Street around College Green and into Dame Street.
Access to car parks would be retained, but private cars would be prevented from using O’Connell Bridge to cross the city.
The bus gate is part of the council’s City Centre Transport Plan for the management of traffic and the improvement of public transport up to 2020.
It is also necessary to allow work on the construction of Metro North to begin and to facilitate the Luas BX line which will connect the Luas red and green lines with a preferred route through College Green. However following lobbying from city business interests the council’s transport committee yesterday voted to restrict the bus gate to 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm Monday to Friday only.
Almost 80 per cent of submissions received during public consultation were opposed to the bus gate. The opposition came mainly from local retailers and car park owners who fear loss of business.
The traffic department yesterday told the transport committee that a retail assessment by Goodbody Consultants found the maximum potential decrease as a result of the bus gate would be 3.2 per cent. Several councillors on the committee remained in favour of the bus gate, although they voted for the reduced hours.
“If we continue to let cars drive through the city centre without restriction it will reduce the amount of people who can get into town and that will do serious damage to city centre businesses,” Labour councillor Andrew Montague said.
Labour’s Michael Conaghan said businesses had lobbied against the pedestrianisation of Grafton Street but it had been a huge success.
Fine Gael’s Gerry Breen said that if the bus gate was to facilitate Metro North it was unnecessary. “I’ll wager that the death cert for Metro North will be signed after June 5th.”
However, Mr Dempsey has given a deadline of July to have the bus gate in place. The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has said the traffic restriction is necessary for the development of metro and other Transport 21 projects, while Dublin Bus wants the bus gate, both to solve the current traffic congestion problems and to ensure it can still run a service through the city centre once the metro and Luas BX are in place.
The transport committee’s recommendation will now go before a full meeting of the council in May. However, the city’s director of traffic, Michael Phillips, said the bus gate could have to revert to the original 24-hours, once Metro North construction begins.
“It would be difficult at that time to have car traffic in the area, so it may have to change,” he said.
Dublin city manager John Tierney is to appear before an Oireachtas transport committee in relation to the bus gate today.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The council’s traffic department had proposed a 24-hour public-transport-only route from Dame Street across College Green to Westmoreland Street.
A similar restriction would be in place for private traffic coming in the opposite direction, from D’Olier Street around College Green and into Dame Street.
Access to car parks would be retained, but private cars would be prevented from using O’Connell Bridge to cross the city.
The bus gate is part of the council’s City Centre Transport Plan for the management of traffic and the improvement of public transport up to 2020.
It is also necessary to allow work on the construction of Metro North to begin and to facilitate the Luas BX line which will connect the Luas red and green lines with a preferred route through College Green. However following lobbying from city business interests the council’s transport committee yesterday voted to restrict the bus gate to 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm Monday to Friday only.
Almost 80 per cent of submissions received during public consultation were opposed to the bus gate. The opposition came mainly from local retailers and car park owners who fear loss of business.
The traffic department yesterday told the transport committee that a retail assessment by Goodbody Consultants found the maximum potential decrease as a result of the bus gate would be 3.2 per cent. Several councillors on the committee remained in favour of the bus gate, although they voted for the reduced hours.
“If we continue to let cars drive through the city centre without restriction it will reduce the amount of people who can get into town and that will do serious damage to city centre businesses,” Labour councillor Andrew Montague said.
Labour’s Michael Conaghan said businesses had lobbied against the pedestrianisation of Grafton Street but it had been a huge success.
Fine Gael’s Gerry Breen said that if the bus gate was to facilitate Metro North it was unnecessary. “I’ll wager that the death cert for Metro North will be signed after June 5th.”
However, Mr Dempsey has given a deadline of July to have the bus gate in place. The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has said the traffic restriction is necessary for the development of metro and other Transport 21 projects, while Dublin Bus wants the bus gate, both to solve the current traffic congestion problems and to ensure it can still run a service through the city centre once the metro and Luas BX are in place.
The transport committee’s recommendation will now go before a full meeting of the council in May. However, the city’s director of traffic, Michael Phillips, said the bus gate could have to revert to the original 24-hours, once Metro North construction begins.
“It would be difficult at that time to have car traffic in the area, so it may have to change,” he said.
Dublin city manager John Tierney is to appear before an Oireachtas transport committee in relation to the bus gate today.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Stand-off at Corrib site as gas work resumes
A STAND-OFF was continuing last night at the north Mayo landfall for the Corrib gas pipeline following Shell EP Ireland’s decision to resume work in the locality.
Rossport resident Willie Corduff lodged himself under a truck delivering security fencing to Glengad beach, and refused requests by gardaí and Shell security to leave.
Mr Corduff and fellow residents said they were questioning the company’s authority to carry out preparatory works for the offshore pipeline at Glengad without planning permission from Mayo County Council.
Terence Conway of Mayo Shell to Sea said that Mr Corduff had been injured and was in some distress.
Mr Corduff, who was jailed with four men for 94 days in 2005 over opposition to the pipeline, told The Irish Times he intended to stay where he was until he had evidence that Shell had authorisation for their work.
He said he was “very cold and sore”, and claimed he had been “badly abused” by local gardaí, who had used stones and verbal threats to try and remove him from under the truck. “It is very sad that our local guards should resort to this,” he said. “We are just asking for a bit of justice.”
However, gardaí denied residents’ claims that stones had been thrown by a member of the force at Mr Corduff in an attempt to remove him.
Chief Supt Tony McNamara, head of the Mayo division, said he would “refute such allegations”, and said the safety of all concerned was paramount.
He said he was satisfied that the preparatory work at Glengad was exempt from the provisions of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, following information received from Mayo County Council.
The Department of the Environment said that it was satisfied with the plans to erect fencing at the beach and netting to prevent sand martins nesting on the Glengad – which is a special area of conservation.
However, Labour Party president Michael D Higgins said the netting was in breach of the EU birds directive. He said Minister for the Environment John Gormley had “no interest” in maintaining the independence and integrity of heritage, and specifically the National Parks and Wildlife Service, to ensure the environment was protected.
The stand-off began at about midday yesterday, six hours after Shell contractors and security returned to Glengad.
Shell EP Ireland did not respond to requests by The Irish Times to comment on the situation yesterday.
The company had indicated that it would resume work on laying the offshore pipeline following approval of an environmental management plan on April 9th by Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan – several days after direct mediation talks involving Shell, two Government Ministers and two community groups collapsed.
However, actual notice of the return to work at Glengad was only given to the department late on Tuesday night, and a letter was delivered to local residents, also on Tuesday.
Residents, including Colm Henry whose house overlooks the beach, said they were woken at 6.30am by heavy machinery.
At about 8.45am, Mr Corduff and another resident attempted to stop one of the trucks transporting security fencing via an access route to the beach.
The two men then crawled under the truck.
One of the two men was removed by gardaí, but Mr Corduff lodged himself in and refused to leave.
Last year Shell abandoned attempts to lay the offshore pipeline from Broadhaven Bay out to sea following reported “technical difficulties”, weather factors and an uncertain legal situation involving fishing rights.
Protests had been held at Glengad throughout the summer.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Rossport resident Willie Corduff lodged himself under a truck delivering security fencing to Glengad beach, and refused requests by gardaí and Shell security to leave.
Mr Corduff and fellow residents said they were questioning the company’s authority to carry out preparatory works for the offshore pipeline at Glengad without planning permission from Mayo County Council.
Terence Conway of Mayo Shell to Sea said that Mr Corduff had been injured and was in some distress.
Mr Corduff, who was jailed with four men for 94 days in 2005 over opposition to the pipeline, told The Irish Times he intended to stay where he was until he had evidence that Shell had authorisation for their work.
He said he was “very cold and sore”, and claimed he had been “badly abused” by local gardaí, who had used stones and verbal threats to try and remove him from under the truck. “It is very sad that our local guards should resort to this,” he said. “We are just asking for a bit of justice.”
However, gardaí denied residents’ claims that stones had been thrown by a member of the force at Mr Corduff in an attempt to remove him.
Chief Supt Tony McNamara, head of the Mayo division, said he would “refute such allegations”, and said the safety of all concerned was paramount.
He said he was satisfied that the preparatory work at Glengad was exempt from the provisions of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, following information received from Mayo County Council.
The Department of the Environment said that it was satisfied with the plans to erect fencing at the beach and netting to prevent sand martins nesting on the Glengad – which is a special area of conservation.
However, Labour Party president Michael D Higgins said the netting was in breach of the EU birds directive. He said Minister for the Environment John Gormley had “no interest” in maintaining the independence and integrity of heritage, and specifically the National Parks and Wildlife Service, to ensure the environment was protected.
The stand-off began at about midday yesterday, six hours after Shell contractors and security returned to Glengad.
Shell EP Ireland did not respond to requests by The Irish Times to comment on the situation yesterday.
The company had indicated that it would resume work on laying the offshore pipeline following approval of an environmental management plan on April 9th by Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan – several days after direct mediation talks involving Shell, two Government Ministers and two community groups collapsed.
However, actual notice of the return to work at Glengad was only given to the department late on Tuesday night, and a letter was delivered to local residents, also on Tuesday.
Residents, including Colm Henry whose house overlooks the beach, said they were woken at 6.30am by heavy machinery.
At about 8.45am, Mr Corduff and another resident attempted to stop one of the trucks transporting security fencing via an access route to the beach.
The two men then crawled under the truck.
One of the two men was removed by gardaí, but Mr Corduff lodged himself in and refused to leave.
Last year Shell abandoned attempts to lay the offshore pipeline from Broadhaven Bay out to sea following reported “technical difficulties”, weather factors and an uncertain legal situation involving fishing rights.
Protests had been held at Glengad throughout the summer.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Traders could be 'crucified' if bus gate goes wrong
DUBLIN CITY centre could be “sterilised” and traders “crucified” if plans for a “bus gate” at College Green go wrong, the Oireachtas transport committee has heard.
Labour TD Tommy Broughan said he supported Dublin City Council’s plan to restrict non-public transport traffic in the area.
However, he said the project had to be managed carefully as Dublin city centre was competing for shoppers with suburban centres.
“Business could be crucified if this thing goes wrong and the city centre sterilised,” he said.
The council’s traffic department originally proposed a 24-hour public-transport-only route from Dame Street to Westmoreland Street. However, the council’s transport committee this week voted to make the area a car-free zone only at peak hours on week days, following lobbying from city business interests.
Green Party TD Ciarán Cuffe said he was disappointed that the only transport lobby in the committee room yesterday was the Automobile Association (AA). Groups representing cyclists and bus users should also have been invited, he said.
“There are drivers out there who would drive up to the second floor of Brown Thomas and park their cars in the menswear section,” he said. He later said: “I hope I got the right floor”. Brown Thomas’ menswear department is actually in the basement.
Mr Cuffe said the Green Party still supported a 24-hour public-transport-only route. “I think it should be 24 hours a day seven days a week.”
Fianna Fáil Deputy Michael Kennedy said he disagreed with Mr Cuffe.
Mr Kennedy said a “24/7” car ban would be “ridiculous in my personal opinion”.
He added that he believed it was unrealistic and unnecessary.
AA spokesman Conor Faughnan said he had no problem with the council’s plan, “ideologically or practically”.
However, he expressed concern that it could produce a “solid wall of buses”.
Mr Faughnan said the plan should not be presented as a “car ban”. “That message being sent out does no favours to city centre traders,” he said.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce’s chairman Peter Brennan said implementing the “bus gate” plan made no sense at this time as work on Metro North and other projects had yet to begin.
“We have to go through five years of construction pain before we get there,” he said.
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has said he wants the car-free zone in place by July.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Labour TD Tommy Broughan said he supported Dublin City Council’s plan to restrict non-public transport traffic in the area.
However, he said the project had to be managed carefully as Dublin city centre was competing for shoppers with suburban centres.
“Business could be crucified if this thing goes wrong and the city centre sterilised,” he said.
The council’s traffic department originally proposed a 24-hour public-transport-only route from Dame Street to Westmoreland Street. However, the council’s transport committee this week voted to make the area a car-free zone only at peak hours on week days, following lobbying from city business interests.
Green Party TD Ciarán Cuffe said he was disappointed that the only transport lobby in the committee room yesterday was the Automobile Association (AA). Groups representing cyclists and bus users should also have been invited, he said.
“There are drivers out there who would drive up to the second floor of Brown Thomas and park their cars in the menswear section,” he said. He later said: “I hope I got the right floor”. Brown Thomas’ menswear department is actually in the basement.
Mr Cuffe said the Green Party still supported a 24-hour public-transport-only route. “I think it should be 24 hours a day seven days a week.”
Fianna Fáil Deputy Michael Kennedy said he disagreed with Mr Cuffe.
Mr Kennedy said a “24/7” car ban would be “ridiculous in my personal opinion”.
He added that he believed it was unrealistic and unnecessary.
AA spokesman Conor Faughnan said he had no problem with the council’s plan, “ideologically or practically”.
However, he expressed concern that it could produce a “solid wall of buses”.
Mr Faughnan said the plan should not be presented as a “car ban”. “That message being sent out does no favours to city centre traders,” he said.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce’s chairman Peter Brennan said implementing the “bus gate” plan made no sense at this time as work on Metro North and other projects had yet to begin.
“We have to go through five years of construction pain before we get there,” he said.
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey has said he wants the car-free zone in place by July.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Oral hearing into Carlton cinema site
THE PROPOSED redevelopment of the Carlton cinema site on Dublin’s O’Connell Street is about preventing the “hollowing-out” of the city centre and saving tens of thousands of jobs, An Bord Pleanála heard yesterday.
The planning body is holding an oral hearing on the €1.25 billion mixed use proposal by developers Chartered Land.
The “Dublin Central” plan is opposed by bodies including An Taisce, the National Graves Association and relatives of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation of Independence.
Witness for the developers, commercial property consultant Neil Bannon, said the city centre’s position as the premier shopping destination was under constant erosion from shopping centres on the outskirts of Dublin and further afield.
Retailers were queuing up to open stores in the city centre but the extent of prime shopping space in Dublin was “quite limited”, he said.
He said this development was “the most significant retail opportunity in this generation” and was a “truly unique opportunity”.
The 5.5 acre plan includes a John Lewis department store, 100 shops, 64 apartments, 17 restaurants and a “park in the sky” on the roof of the development.
Objectors will have an opportunity to cross examine the developers later today or tomorrow.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The planning body is holding an oral hearing on the €1.25 billion mixed use proposal by developers Chartered Land.
The “Dublin Central” plan is opposed by bodies including An Taisce, the National Graves Association and relatives of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation of Independence.
Witness for the developers, commercial property consultant Neil Bannon, said the city centre’s position as the premier shopping destination was under constant erosion from shopping centres on the outskirts of Dublin and further afield.
Retailers were queuing up to open stores in the city centre but the extent of prime shopping space in Dublin was “quite limited”, he said.
He said this development was “the most significant retail opportunity in this generation” and was a “truly unique opportunity”.
The 5.5 acre plan includes a John Lewis department store, 100 shops, 64 apartments, 17 restaurants and a “park in the sky” on the roof of the development.
Objectors will have an opportunity to cross examine the developers later today or tomorrow.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Permission to build on Vinegar Hill criticised
THERE WERE angry scenes at the monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Town Council when councillors were outraged that a person was given planning permission to “remove half of Vinegar Hill”.
The desecration of a national heritage site is how excavation work on Vinegar Hill in Wexford is being described by some councillors.
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh was outraged at the decision by planners in Wexford County Council to allow planning permission to go ahead. Permission was given to Michael Connors to erect a large metal shed behind his house on the site of the rebellion in 1798.
Works on the site have seen diggers cut into Vinegar Hill, and thousands of tonnes of stone and clay have been removed from the site. Mr Connors received planning permission from the council on March 27th this year, following three similar applications which had been turned down.
At this week’s meeting of Enniscorthy Town Council, councillors were incensed that this could happen to such an important historical Irish monument. Cllr Seán Doyle said Vinegar Hill was identified among 75 sites in Ireland of being of historical interest by a committee set up under Dick Roche in 2007.
It was the only site identified in Wexford and Mr Doyle said what was happening now was a disgrace.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The desecration of a national heritage site is how excavation work on Vinegar Hill in Wexford is being described by some councillors.
Cllr Paddy Kavanagh was outraged at the decision by planners in Wexford County Council to allow planning permission to go ahead. Permission was given to Michael Connors to erect a large metal shed behind his house on the site of the rebellion in 1798.
Works on the site have seen diggers cut into Vinegar Hill, and thousands of tonnes of stone and clay have been removed from the site. Mr Connors received planning permission from the council on March 27th this year, following three similar applications which had been turned down.
At this week’s meeting of Enniscorthy Town Council, councillors were incensed that this could happen to such an important historical Irish monument. Cllr Seán Doyle said Vinegar Hill was identified among 75 sites in Ireland of being of historical interest by a committee set up under Dick Roche in 2007.
It was the only site identified in Wexford and Mr Doyle said what was happening now was a disgrace.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Anger as developers plan to demolish 1916 site
A MASSIVE €1.25bn shopping centre on Ireland's busiest thoroughfare would involve demolishing listed buildings including the site of the last stand of the 1916 rebels, a public hearing was told yesterday.
James Connolly Heron, a relative of 1916 leader James Connolly, voiced his concerns at the plan to redevelop the site of the old Carlton cinema site on Dublin's O'Connell Street.
Developer Joe O'Reilly, through his development company Chartered Land, proposes creating a mixed-use development of 125,000 square metres on a 5.5 acre site bounded by O'Connell Street, Parnell Street and Moore Street.
Two new public streets will be created and three new public squares. There will be 64 apartments, 98 shops, 17 restaurants and the anchor tenant will be the John Lewis department store.
In addition, a 'park in the sky' will be built on the upper storeys -- allowing shoppers to look out over the city. The scheme will be eight-storeys high, and have four basement levels. A theatre and art gallery will also be provided, while the 1916 houses on Moore Street will be converted into a commemorative centre.
But plans to relocate the 1937 art deco facade of what used to be the Carlton cinema have proved controversial. The developers also propose retaining the facades of 12 listed structures, but conservationists say the entire buildings should be protected.
Undermined
The Irish Georgian Society also said it had 'serious concerns' about a proposed public plaza on O'Connell Street which was more a "tolerable, if grandiose, entrance to a shopping mall" rather than a true public space.
The scheme was too tall, and demolishing protected structures would "undermine" the historic streetscape, Emmeline Henderson said.
"To grant permission in its current form would result in the architectural and historic character of O'Connell Street being seriously and irreversibly undermined."
Moore Street traders urged that permission be granted, saying that the derelict nature of much of the site was a "negative feature" and it was a "miracle" that the market had survived.
"If Moore Street is not developed it will die," Ernie Beggs said. "Last year, we lost 15 traders to retirement."
The An Bord Pleanala planning hearing is expected to last for up to a week and objectors include An Taisce, Treasury Holdings, the National Graves Association and Relatives of the Signatories of the Proclamation of Independence.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
James Connolly Heron, a relative of 1916 leader James Connolly, voiced his concerns at the plan to redevelop the site of the old Carlton cinema site on Dublin's O'Connell Street.
Developer Joe O'Reilly, through his development company Chartered Land, proposes creating a mixed-use development of 125,000 square metres on a 5.5 acre site bounded by O'Connell Street, Parnell Street and Moore Street.
Two new public streets will be created and three new public squares. There will be 64 apartments, 98 shops, 17 restaurants and the anchor tenant will be the John Lewis department store.
In addition, a 'park in the sky' will be built on the upper storeys -- allowing shoppers to look out over the city. The scheme will be eight-storeys high, and have four basement levels. A theatre and art gallery will also be provided, while the 1916 houses on Moore Street will be converted into a commemorative centre.
But plans to relocate the 1937 art deco facade of what used to be the Carlton cinema have proved controversial. The developers also propose retaining the facades of 12 listed structures, but conservationists say the entire buildings should be protected.
Undermined
The Irish Georgian Society also said it had 'serious concerns' about a proposed public plaza on O'Connell Street which was more a "tolerable, if grandiose, entrance to a shopping mall" rather than a true public space.
The scheme was too tall, and demolishing protected structures would "undermine" the historic streetscape, Emmeline Henderson said.
"To grant permission in its current form would result in the architectural and historic character of O'Connell Street being seriously and irreversibly undermined."
Moore Street traders urged that permission be granted, saying that the derelict nature of much of the site was a "negative feature" and it was a "miracle" that the market had survived.
"If Moore Street is not developed it will die," Ernie Beggs said. "Last year, we lost 15 traders to retirement."
The An Bord Pleanala planning hearing is expected to last for up to a week and objectors include An Taisce, Treasury Holdings, the National Graves Association and Relatives of the Signatories of the Proclamation of Independence.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Town size grows at the stroke of a pen
ONE of the country's fastest growing towns officially got bigger yesterday, with its population increasing almost six-fold at the stroke of a pen.
Environment Minister John Gormley has approved the extension of Navan Town Council's boundary, which saw its population increase from 4,400 to 24,000.
Navan has seen a significant increase in its population over recent decades, with most residents now living outside the town boundary.
The application from the town council, which was also supported by Meath County Council, stated that the extension was logical given that the residents of the extended area identified strongly with the town. A boundary alteration will entitle residents to vote in the forthcoming town council elections, which will be held in June 2009.
"I very much welcome the opportunity to support the development of Navan and to extend the franchise for town council elections to so many residents," Mr Gormley said.
According to local sources, the influx of new voters increases the likelihood that Fianna Fail will lose its working majority on the town council.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Environment Minister John Gormley has approved the extension of Navan Town Council's boundary, which saw its population increase from 4,400 to 24,000.
Navan has seen a significant increase in its population over recent decades, with most residents now living outside the town boundary.
The application from the town council, which was also supported by Meath County Council, stated that the extension was logical given that the residents of the extended area identified strongly with the town. A boundary alteration will entitle residents to vote in the forthcoming town council elections, which will be held in June 2009.
"I very much welcome the opportunity to support the development of Navan and to extend the franchise for town council elections to so many residents," Mr Gormley said.
According to local sources, the influx of new voters increases the likelihood that Fianna Fail will lose its working majority on the town council.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Welcome to the 'no-star' hotel
IMPRESARIO property developer Harry Crosbie has got the green light for Dublin's first 'rocker' hotel at the rear of his Vicar Street entertainment venue.
With 194 bedrooms, it will be classified as a 'no-star' hotel and offer very basic accommodation.
The hotel, which will be built off Thomas Street in Dublin 8, to the rear of the Vicar Street venue, is aimed at people staying in the city overnight to attend events in Vicar Street, The O2 or Harry Crosbie's other entertainment venue, The Libeskind Theatre, currently being developed in Grand Canal Harbour.
Combined packages will be offered to attract guests.
The hotel will not seek a star rating from Bord Failte because it will be "too basic to have any stars", says Crosbie.
On arrival a freight lift will bring patrons to the residents' bar and check-in area in a "big glass box" on the seventh floor on top of the hotel, which will look out over the city.
But in response to submissions from local residents concerned about possible noise, Bord Pleanala has insisted the doors to the roof terrace from the restaurant and cafe bar "shall be kept in a permanently closed position" and only used for getting into and out of the area. No chairs or tables will be allowed on this terrace without "a prior grant of permission", the board adds.
Monastic
Mr Crosbie described the bedrooms as being like "monastic cells to sleep in with concrete walls and a very good bed with a duvet".
But a spokesman yesterday said the rooms will be fully equipped with wifi and flat screen TV as well as having ensuite bathrooms.
At one stage the room rate was expected to be around €50 per night, but that was before over-supply of bedrooms saw more competitive pricing.
Mr Crosbie has not decided when he will proceed with the development but a spokesman said that it is hoped to begin negotiations firstly with possible Irish or international hotel operators.
Designed by Grafton Architects, the rooms will feature polished concrete walls which will be "a homage" to famous designers Corbusier and Eileen Gray, said the spokesman. The most lavish aspect of the development will be plans to spend €1m on art works by young Irish artists for the bedrooms.
Donal Buckley
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
With 194 bedrooms, it will be classified as a 'no-star' hotel and offer very basic accommodation.
The hotel, which will be built off Thomas Street in Dublin 8, to the rear of the Vicar Street venue, is aimed at people staying in the city overnight to attend events in Vicar Street, The O2 or Harry Crosbie's other entertainment venue, The Libeskind Theatre, currently being developed in Grand Canal Harbour.
Combined packages will be offered to attract guests.
The hotel will not seek a star rating from Bord Failte because it will be "too basic to have any stars", says Crosbie.
On arrival a freight lift will bring patrons to the residents' bar and check-in area in a "big glass box" on the seventh floor on top of the hotel, which will look out over the city.
But in response to submissions from local residents concerned about possible noise, Bord Pleanala has insisted the doors to the roof terrace from the restaurant and cafe bar "shall be kept in a permanently closed position" and only used for getting into and out of the area. No chairs or tables will be allowed on this terrace without "a prior grant of permission", the board adds.
Monastic
Mr Crosbie described the bedrooms as being like "monastic cells to sleep in with concrete walls and a very good bed with a duvet".
But a spokesman yesterday said the rooms will be fully equipped with wifi and flat screen TV as well as having ensuite bathrooms.
At one stage the room rate was expected to be around €50 per night, but that was before over-supply of bedrooms saw more competitive pricing.
Mr Crosbie has not decided when he will proceed with the development but a spokesman said that it is hoped to begin negotiations firstly with possible Irish or international hotel operators.
Designed by Grafton Architects, the rooms will feature polished concrete walls which will be "a homage" to famous designers Corbusier and Eileen Gray, said the spokesman. The most lavish aspect of the development will be plans to spend €1m on art works by young Irish artists for the bedrooms.
Donal Buckley
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Target set for 400% rise in cycling to work by 2020
THE Government has set itself the ambitious target of overseeing a fourfold increase in the number of people who travel to work by bicycle by 2020.
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said the Government wanted to develop a culture of cycling in Ireland that would see 160,000 commuters cycling to work within the next 11 years — an increase of 125,000 on current levels.
Launching the first-ever National Cycle Policy Framework in Dublin yesterday, Mr Dempsey said the aim was to have 10% of commuters travelling to work by bicycle by 2020 compared to the current rate of just 2%.
In 1986, the cycling population stood at 7% but has decreased steadily ever since. A little more than 4,000 schoolchildren cycle to class compared to more than 23,600 in 1986.
Mr Dempsey said cycling was the preferred commuting choice of just 35,000 people, despite the fact that more than 100,000 drove less than 4km on a daily basis to reach their workplace.
Mr Dempsey said the Government intended to raise the number of people cycling to work through increasing the number of better and safer cycle routes to work and schools.
In addition, there would also be increased investment in parking facilities for bikes in towns and cities around the country, while transport companies would be encouraged to provide extra facilities to carry bicycles on buses and trains.
Measures will also be introduced to reduce the volume of through-traffic in the vicinity of schools and colleges.
The new cycle policy document lists a total of 109 actions to be taken.
Mr Dempsey said cycling had many benefits for society, including a reduction of traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved personal health.
A National Bike Week, to be launched in June, will raise awareness of the benefits of switching to cycling, while 140,000 schoolchildren will receive safe cycle training during 2009.
Mr Dempsey said that €3 million would be invested in the refurbishment of key cycle routes in Dublin this year.
Work would also commence on the Sutton to Sandycove cycle route around Dublin Bay.
Dublin City Council is also expected to introduce a bike rental scheme later this year.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said the Government wanted to develop a culture of cycling in Ireland that would see 160,000 commuters cycling to work within the next 11 years — an increase of 125,000 on current levels.
Launching the first-ever National Cycle Policy Framework in Dublin yesterday, Mr Dempsey said the aim was to have 10% of commuters travelling to work by bicycle by 2020 compared to the current rate of just 2%.
In 1986, the cycling population stood at 7% but has decreased steadily ever since. A little more than 4,000 schoolchildren cycle to class compared to more than 23,600 in 1986.
Mr Dempsey said cycling was the preferred commuting choice of just 35,000 people, despite the fact that more than 100,000 drove less than 4km on a daily basis to reach their workplace.
Mr Dempsey said the Government intended to raise the number of people cycling to work through increasing the number of better and safer cycle routes to work and schools.
In addition, there would also be increased investment in parking facilities for bikes in towns and cities around the country, while transport companies would be encouraged to provide extra facilities to carry bicycles on buses and trains.
Measures will also be introduced to reduce the volume of through-traffic in the vicinity of schools and colleges.
The new cycle policy document lists a total of 109 actions to be taken.
Mr Dempsey said cycling had many benefits for society, including a reduction of traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved personal health.
A National Bike Week, to be launched in June, will raise awareness of the benefits of switching to cycling, while 140,000 schoolchildren will receive safe cycle training during 2009.
Mr Dempsey said that €3 million would be invested in the refurbishment of key cycle routes in Dublin this year.
Work would also commence on the Sutton to Sandycove cycle route around Dublin Bay.
Dublin City Council is also expected to introduce a bike rental scheme later this year.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Lissadell right of way case adjourned
THE LEGAL dispute between the owners of the Lissadell estate in Co Sligo and Sligo County Council over whether there is a public right of way across the lands has been adjourned at the High Court.
The owners – barristers Edward Walsh and Constance Cassidy – claim the “wrongful” actions of the council in asserting a public right of way over part of their lands has imperilled the viability of the restoration of Lissadell, compromised the value of the premises and reduced the standing of the owners in the community.
Because of the council’s actions, the owners claim they have been obliged to curtail the tourism facilities at Lissadell.
The proceedings came before Mr Justice Frank Clarke yesterday via a motion for judgment by the owners against the council over its failure to date to file a defence.
Peter Bland, for the owners, said the council’s attitude was “torpid and cynical”, but Siobhán Stack, for the council, argued insufficient detail had been provided to allow a proper defence to be prepared.
The judge found there had been delay in providing a defence and he made directions for the exchange of legal documents between the sides within specified times. The proceedings were adjourned for three weeks.
Mr Walsh and Ms Cassidy want a declaration the routes in dispute are not subject to any public rights of way and an order restraining the council or others asserting the routes are subject to a right of way.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The owners – barristers Edward Walsh and Constance Cassidy – claim the “wrongful” actions of the council in asserting a public right of way over part of their lands has imperilled the viability of the restoration of Lissadell, compromised the value of the premises and reduced the standing of the owners in the community.
Because of the council’s actions, the owners claim they have been obliged to curtail the tourism facilities at Lissadell.
The proceedings came before Mr Justice Frank Clarke yesterday via a motion for judgment by the owners against the council over its failure to date to file a defence.
Peter Bland, for the owners, said the council’s attitude was “torpid and cynical”, but Siobhán Stack, for the council, argued insufficient detail had been provided to allow a proper defence to be prepared.
The judge found there had been delay in providing a defence and he made directions for the exchange of legal documents between the sides within specified times. The proceedings were adjourned for three weeks.
Mr Walsh and Ms Cassidy want a declaration the routes in dispute are not subject to any public rights of way and an order restraining the council or others asserting the routes are subject to a right of way.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Carlton cinema site development 'could undermine character of O'Connell Street'
THE PROPOSED €1.25 billion redevelopment of a 5.5 acre site centred on the former Carlton cinema on O’Connell Street, could “serious and irreversibly” undermine the character of Dublin’s main street, An Bord Pleanála has been told.
The appeal hearing on the development which includes a four-storey “park in the sky”, a branch of British department store John Lewis, almost 100 shops, 64 apartments, and 2,868sq m of offices was opened by An Bord Pleanála yesterday.
Developers Chartered Land told the hearing that the scheme would make a “positive and powerful contribution to the city as a whole”.
The developer’s architect Mark Turpin said the area was considered by many to have become unsafe and had “suffered stagnation over a long period” but the proposed scheme would transform the area and regenerate what was the “civic spine” of Dublin.
The development area bounded by O’Connell Street, Moore Street Henry Street and Parnell Street would include three new public squares, two new streets, and would involve the relocation of two protected structures: the 19th-century O’Connell Hall, and the facade of the former Carlton cinema.
The Georgian Society of Ireland told the hearing that it strongly opposed the relocation of the protected structures, and the insertion of a new plaza on O’Connell Street. The society’s assistant director Emmeline Henderson said the plaza would “detract from the 18th-century urban form” of O’Connell Street and “compromises the existing civic spine”.
The society also objected to the height of the development, which, at 40 metres, it felt was excessive in such an architecturally sensitive area. The “excessive level of facadism”, where the fronts of several buildings were being retained while their interiors would be demolished, was also considered objectionable
If An Bord Pleanála allowed the development to go ahead in its current form it would “result in the architectural and historic character of O’Connell Street being seriously and irreversibly undermined,” Ms Henderson said.
The Moore Street Traders Committee, which represents the market stall holders, said the area had suffered “prolonged dereliction” and the subject site had been a major negative feature of the area. “It is in this context that the Moore Street traders welcome the proposed development,” committee spokesman Ernie Beggs said.
The proposed development sought to integrate the existing market and would allow it to develop and grow. It would also protect the structures of the heritage buildings on Moore Street, Mr Beggs said.
However, James Connolly Heron of the Save Moore Street Committee said the development involved the demolition of part of the National Monument buildings of 14-16 Moore Street, which were used during the 1916 Rising, and infringed upon their setting.
Mr Connolly Heron, who is a great-grandson of James Connolly, said Chartered Land had allowed the National Monument buildings to deteriorate and decay. The state of the monument “is a national disgrace”, he said.
Dublin City Council had reached a deal to sell the site Chartered Land instead of putting the project out to tender, which was in contravention of EU guidelines, Mr Connolly Heron said, and was allowing the demolition of protected structures contrary to development controls.
The park in the sky, which slopes for four storeys on the roof of the development was “entirely inappropriate” and was at odds with the “grand terrace form” of O’Connell Street, he said.
The hearing continues today.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The appeal hearing on the development which includes a four-storey “park in the sky”, a branch of British department store John Lewis, almost 100 shops, 64 apartments, and 2,868sq m of offices was opened by An Bord Pleanála yesterday.
Developers Chartered Land told the hearing that the scheme would make a “positive and powerful contribution to the city as a whole”.
The developer’s architect Mark Turpin said the area was considered by many to have become unsafe and had “suffered stagnation over a long period” but the proposed scheme would transform the area and regenerate what was the “civic spine” of Dublin.
The development area bounded by O’Connell Street, Moore Street Henry Street and Parnell Street would include three new public squares, two new streets, and would involve the relocation of two protected structures: the 19th-century O’Connell Hall, and the facade of the former Carlton cinema.
The Georgian Society of Ireland told the hearing that it strongly opposed the relocation of the protected structures, and the insertion of a new plaza on O’Connell Street. The society’s assistant director Emmeline Henderson said the plaza would “detract from the 18th-century urban form” of O’Connell Street and “compromises the existing civic spine”.
The society also objected to the height of the development, which, at 40 metres, it felt was excessive in such an architecturally sensitive area. The “excessive level of facadism”, where the fronts of several buildings were being retained while their interiors would be demolished, was also considered objectionable
If An Bord Pleanála allowed the development to go ahead in its current form it would “result in the architectural and historic character of O’Connell Street being seriously and irreversibly undermined,” Ms Henderson said.
The Moore Street Traders Committee, which represents the market stall holders, said the area had suffered “prolonged dereliction” and the subject site had been a major negative feature of the area. “It is in this context that the Moore Street traders welcome the proposed development,” committee spokesman Ernie Beggs said.
The proposed development sought to integrate the existing market and would allow it to develop and grow. It would also protect the structures of the heritage buildings on Moore Street, Mr Beggs said.
However, James Connolly Heron of the Save Moore Street Committee said the development involved the demolition of part of the National Monument buildings of 14-16 Moore Street, which were used during the 1916 Rising, and infringed upon their setting.
Mr Connolly Heron, who is a great-grandson of James Connolly, said Chartered Land had allowed the National Monument buildings to deteriorate and decay. The state of the monument “is a national disgrace”, he said.
Dublin City Council had reached a deal to sell the site Chartered Land instead of putting the project out to tender, which was in contravention of EU guidelines, Mr Connolly Heron said, and was allowing the demolition of protected structures contrary to development controls.
The park in the sky, which slopes for four storeys on the roof of the development was “entirely inappropriate” and was at odds with the “grand terrace form” of O’Connell Street, he said.
The hearing continues today.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Dublin could reduce emissions by switching technologies, study finds
DUBLIN COULD become a green, energy-efficient city by switching to currently available technologies in a series of moves which would largely pay for themselves, a new study on the capital’s carbon emissions has concluded.
According to the study from UCD’s School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, key changes in energy use, heating and transport could reduce Dublin’s carbon emissions by almost one-third by 2025, compared to 2005 levels.
The study which ranked potential CO2 abatement measures in terms of effectiveness and cost, found the most effective would be the generation of renewable electricity. This was followed by retro-fitting buildings to make them more energy efficient, while in third place was the completion of Transport 21.
But the study found modifying petrol and diesel cars was more effective than introducing electric cars, over the period. While 65 per cent of transport emissions in Dublin come from privately-owned cars, the study said the most effective measure in combating these emissions was to move ahead with Transport 21 with its two metro lines and improved Luas routes. This should be followed by “straight forward fuel efficiency” in car engines which the study said had abatement potential of 0.16megatonnes (mt) of CO2 by 2025, for petrol cars, and 0.13mt of CO2 for diesel.
Electric cars had a potential reduction of just 0.05 mt of CO2 by 2025, and then only if 12 per cent of all cars in the region were electrically powered. Other key moves included city district heating schemes, the use of domestic and commercial biomass fuels, traffic management, Led public lighting and vehicular biofuels.
The research, which recommended about 20 individual switches in technology uses, found greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, transport and energy could be reduced by about 28 per cent by 2025, compared to 2005 levels.
Until 2025 an incremental investment totalling €2.27 billion would be required to finance the changes, but three-quarters of the changes would be self-financing in about four years.
The approach to lowering CO2 emissions by switching technologies was endorsed by Dublin City Manager John Tierney who said “technology could play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and it is also key to driving modern knowledge-based economies . . . there is a real opportunity to put Dublin at the vanguard of sustainable development”.
The UCD research team was led by Prof Gerry Byrne and Dr Donal Finn. It was sponsored by Siemens, whose chief executive Dr Werner Kruckow said the changes represented “a challenge, but not an insurmountable one”.
He described a future in which Dublin was an energy efficient, low CO2 city and said the alternative to investing in that future, was to have to pay for carbon credits. “A choice must be made, but to me it is a no-brainer” he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
According to the study from UCD’s School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, key changes in energy use, heating and transport could reduce Dublin’s carbon emissions by almost one-third by 2025, compared to 2005 levels.
The study which ranked potential CO2 abatement measures in terms of effectiveness and cost, found the most effective would be the generation of renewable electricity. This was followed by retro-fitting buildings to make them more energy efficient, while in third place was the completion of Transport 21.
But the study found modifying petrol and diesel cars was more effective than introducing electric cars, over the period. While 65 per cent of transport emissions in Dublin come from privately-owned cars, the study said the most effective measure in combating these emissions was to move ahead with Transport 21 with its two metro lines and improved Luas routes. This should be followed by “straight forward fuel efficiency” in car engines which the study said had abatement potential of 0.16megatonnes (mt) of CO2 by 2025, for petrol cars, and 0.13mt of CO2 for diesel.
Electric cars had a potential reduction of just 0.05 mt of CO2 by 2025, and then only if 12 per cent of all cars in the region were electrically powered. Other key moves included city district heating schemes, the use of domestic and commercial biomass fuels, traffic management, Led public lighting and vehicular biofuels.
The research, which recommended about 20 individual switches in technology uses, found greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, transport and energy could be reduced by about 28 per cent by 2025, compared to 2005 levels.
Until 2025 an incremental investment totalling €2.27 billion would be required to finance the changes, but three-quarters of the changes would be self-financing in about four years.
The approach to lowering CO2 emissions by switching technologies was endorsed by Dublin City Manager John Tierney who said “technology could play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and it is also key to driving modern knowledge-based economies . . . there is a real opportunity to put Dublin at the vanguard of sustainable development”.
The UCD research team was led by Prof Gerry Byrne and Dr Donal Finn. It was sponsored by Siemens, whose chief executive Dr Werner Kruckow said the changes represented “a challenge, but not an insurmountable one”.
He described a future in which Dublin was an energy efficient, low CO2 city and said the alternative to investing in that future, was to have to pay for carbon credits. “A choice must be made, but to me it is a no-brainer” he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Policy aims to encourage more cyclists
A NEW Government policy on cycling proposes to make Ireland one of the most cycle-friendly countries in the world by 2020.
The National Cycle Policy Framework was launched yesterday by the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey who said he wanted to increase the number of people who cycle each day from 35,000 to 160,000 in a little over a decade – an increase of over 400 per cent.
The new policy contains 109 separate actions to make the transformation. Included are ambitious plans to retrofit all urban roads with cycle lanes and promises to introduce widespread traffic calming and bike-friendly road designs.
It also provides for the integration of public transport and cycling, allowing bikes to be carried on buses and trains; the provision of shared bicycles in major towns, like the French Vélib scheme; safe bike-parking facilities; and the retrofit of major road junctions which can currently pose dangers for cyclists.
Mr Dempsey acknowledged there had been a marked decrease in the numbers cycling to school and work in the past 20 years but said that this new policy would fully address it. He said he had sought the advice of the best cycle planners in Europe when drawing up the policy.
“I am determined that we will have a world-class cycling infrastructure in place in this country by 2020 so that biking becomes a safe and enjoyable option for commuters and school-kids alike,” said Mr Dempsey.
He accepted that the total plan has yet to be costed, though he said a total of €14 million would be provided during 2009 for various schemes, some of which are engineering and others promotional.
However, there is no specific commitments in relation to funding the actions.
“Over the lifetime of the scheme what we intend to do within the road-work programme is to provide specific funds for engineering to make existing roads much safer particularly in . . . urban areas,” he said.
The cycling campaign group, cyclist.ie, gave a broad endorsement to the new policy.
Dr Darren McAdam-O’Connell of the group said that recognition of cycling by policy makers was long overdue. “We strongly welcome a document that contains many of the measures that cyclists have been demanding for a long time, such as stronger measures against urban speeding, on-road cycle training in schools, improved driver training curriculum, dismantling of dangerous multi-lane one-way systems and permitting of bike carriages on trains and buses.”
However, Dr Mike McKillen, also of cyclist.ie, said it would never become a reality without a “fundamental change in attitudes in official circles”.
Fine Gael’s transport spokesman Fergus O’Dowd said that Mr Dempsey launched his cycling wish-list just as the roads programme was coming to an end. He claimed the policy would “gather dust” in the Department of Transport.
Likewise, Labour’s spokesman Tommy Broughan described the policy as being full of vague aspirations, without full commitments to implement them. “The policy is also vague on how and when funding will be provided and merely states that we will provide appropriate levels of, and timely, funding towards implementing the plan,” said Mr Broughan.
Main measures
- 160,000 people cycling to work each day by 2020 – up from 35,000
now;
- Safe cycling routes to all schools in the State;
- A speed limit of 30km/h near schools;
- New secure bike parks in bus and train stations and other public
spaces;
- Adapting trains and buses to carry bicycles;
- Shared-bicycle schemes in all cities
with populations over 100,000;
- Better training for cyclists and drivers in relation to cyclists;
- Traffic-calming in urban areas;
- Redesign of major road junctions to make them cycle-friendly;
- Retrofitting of roads, quality bus corridors and bus-lanes to accommodate proper cycling lanes;
- Two-way cycling lanes on streets that are one-way for traffic;
- A proposed scheme where workers who use bikes instead of cars will be entitled to receive travel/mileage expenses.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The National Cycle Policy Framework was launched yesterday by the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey who said he wanted to increase the number of people who cycle each day from 35,000 to 160,000 in a little over a decade – an increase of over 400 per cent.
The new policy contains 109 separate actions to make the transformation. Included are ambitious plans to retrofit all urban roads with cycle lanes and promises to introduce widespread traffic calming and bike-friendly road designs.
It also provides for the integration of public transport and cycling, allowing bikes to be carried on buses and trains; the provision of shared bicycles in major towns, like the French Vélib scheme; safe bike-parking facilities; and the retrofit of major road junctions which can currently pose dangers for cyclists.
Mr Dempsey acknowledged there had been a marked decrease in the numbers cycling to school and work in the past 20 years but said that this new policy would fully address it. He said he had sought the advice of the best cycle planners in Europe when drawing up the policy.
“I am determined that we will have a world-class cycling infrastructure in place in this country by 2020 so that biking becomes a safe and enjoyable option for commuters and school-kids alike,” said Mr Dempsey.
He accepted that the total plan has yet to be costed, though he said a total of €14 million would be provided during 2009 for various schemes, some of which are engineering and others promotional.
However, there is no specific commitments in relation to funding the actions.
“Over the lifetime of the scheme what we intend to do within the road-work programme is to provide specific funds for engineering to make existing roads much safer particularly in . . . urban areas,” he said.
The cycling campaign group, cyclist.ie, gave a broad endorsement to the new policy.
Dr Darren McAdam-O’Connell of the group said that recognition of cycling by policy makers was long overdue. “We strongly welcome a document that contains many of the measures that cyclists have been demanding for a long time, such as stronger measures against urban speeding, on-road cycle training in schools, improved driver training curriculum, dismantling of dangerous multi-lane one-way systems and permitting of bike carriages on trains and buses.”
However, Dr Mike McKillen, also of cyclist.ie, said it would never become a reality without a “fundamental change in attitudes in official circles”.
Fine Gael’s transport spokesman Fergus O’Dowd said that Mr Dempsey launched his cycling wish-list just as the roads programme was coming to an end. He claimed the policy would “gather dust” in the Department of Transport.
Likewise, Labour’s spokesman Tommy Broughan described the policy as being full of vague aspirations, without full commitments to implement them. “The policy is also vague on how and when funding will be provided and merely states that we will provide appropriate levels of, and timely, funding towards implementing the plan,” said Mr Broughan.
Main measures
- 160,000 people cycling to work each day by 2020 – up from 35,000
now;
- Safe cycling routes to all schools in the State;
- A speed limit of 30km/h near schools;
- New secure bike parks in bus and train stations and other public
spaces;
- Adapting trains and buses to carry bicycles;
- Shared-bicycle schemes in all cities
with populations over 100,000;
- Better training for cyclists and drivers in relation to cyclists;
- Traffic-calming in urban areas;
- Redesign of major road junctions to make them cycle-friendly;
- Retrofitting of roads, quality bus corridors and bus-lanes to accommodate proper cycling lanes;
- Two-way cycling lanes on streets that are one-way for traffic;
- A proposed scheme where workers who use bikes instead of cars will be entitled to receive travel/mileage expenses.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Development of docks for tender
Cork City Council has put out to tender the lucrative docklands regeneration project which will involve the recruitment of a multi- disciplinary team to design a master plan for 2.5km of quayside amenities.
The Cork docklands renewal project is one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects in the State.
The tender advertisement, which has been placed in national newspapers, says the ambition is to “develop this unique waterside setting in a way that will provide an environment of such quality that it will rival any European waterfront.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The Cork docklands renewal project is one of the most ambitious urban renewal projects in the State.
The tender advertisement, which has been placed in national newspapers, says the ambition is to “develop this unique waterside setting in a way that will provide an environment of such quality that it will rival any European waterfront.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Hydro-electric plants planned for Kerry
HYDRO-ELECTRIC stations are to be constructed at water reservoirs in Kerry in an effort to reduce the council’s electricity bill.
The ESB bill for Kerry County Council last year amounted to more than €3.2 million, according to a report yesterday.
Most of the electricity cost, some 74 per cent of it amounting to €2.39 million, went on the operation of the county’s water and wastewater pumping and treatment plants, while €500,000 was spent on lighting small towns and villages. In 2001, the council installed a small hydro turbine at Lough Guitane, the lake which supplies half of the county’s water. This has generated more than €700,000 worth of electricity powering a nearby water-treatment plant.
The Lough Guitane plant will run for 50 years and continue to provide security of energy supply and reduced costs to the council, the report outlined.
The council is now examining hydro-electric generation at two other reservoirs and abstraction plants, John O’Connor, the council’s director of finance, told John Brassil, the councillor who requested the information.
Mr O’Connor said all investment programmes, including roads and housing, will be affected by cuts this year as a result of the economic difficulties experienced by the Government.
Some €55 out of every €100 the council received came from the exchequer. “If the exchequer is in difficulty, we are in serious difficulty as well,” he warned councillors. “All our works and investment programmes must be regularly reviewed and adjusted to meet the changed financial circumstances both nationally and locally.”
Very little discretion is being left to local authorities to manage their affairs this year as a result of the obligation on them to seek ministerial sanction for all borrowings, Mr O’Connor added.
He urged businesses to talk to the council and agree on a plan.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The ESB bill for Kerry County Council last year amounted to more than €3.2 million, according to a report yesterday.
Most of the electricity cost, some 74 per cent of it amounting to €2.39 million, went on the operation of the county’s water and wastewater pumping and treatment plants, while €500,000 was spent on lighting small towns and villages. In 2001, the council installed a small hydro turbine at Lough Guitane, the lake which supplies half of the county’s water. This has generated more than €700,000 worth of electricity powering a nearby water-treatment plant.
The Lough Guitane plant will run for 50 years and continue to provide security of energy supply and reduced costs to the council, the report outlined.
The council is now examining hydro-electric generation at two other reservoirs and abstraction plants, John O’Connor, the council’s director of finance, told John Brassil, the councillor who requested the information.
Mr O’Connor said all investment programmes, including roads and housing, will be affected by cuts this year as a result of the economic difficulties experienced by the Government.
Some €55 out of every €100 the council received came from the exchequer. “If the exchequer is in difficulty, we are in serious difficulty as well,” he warned councillors. “All our works and investment programmes must be regularly reviewed and adjusted to meet the changed financial circumstances both nationally and locally.”
Very little discretion is being left to local authorities to manage their affairs this year as a result of the obligation on them to seek ministerial sanction for all borrowings, Mr O’Connor added.
He urged businesses to talk to the council and agree on a plan.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Limited access may protect lakes from alien species - study
RESTRICTIONS on access to Lough Carra and Lough Mask has been recommended in a new biosecurity plan for Lough Mask. The report was commissioned to try to protect the lakes from “alien species” that have invaded Lough Corrib.
Mandatory boat registration and appointment of water keepers has also been advised in the report by RPS Consultants for the Western Regional Fisheries Board. All three lakes have significant angling resources, and are designated under the EU habitats and bird directives.
The zebra mussel and the invasive waterweed Lagarosiphon major are among non-native species that have put a strain on the freshwater habitat of the Corrib.
Such species can have economic costs, in terms of prevention and control, and can also compromise the environmental status of the lakes, the report points out.
Angling, the location of fish hatcheries, pet shops and garden centres and research and management activities are identified as ways that biosecurity threats can travel.
The report identified 80 non-native aquatic species as posing a potential threat, with some 10 species designated as “high” or “very high” risk. Movement of contaminated trailers, boats, angling equipment and float tubes can have an impact, it says. Disposal of unwanted plants or the release of unwanted exotic fish can “seriously threaten” the lakes’ ecosystems.
It says there is “unlimited potential” for intentional introduction, due to unrestricted access, but says that unintentional introduction is the “most likely pathway”.
Natural spreading through water is the “least likely” pathway, it says. This is because Lough Carra is a spring-fed lake with only a few inflowing rivers and Mask is linked to Corrib by a karstic underground system that is not likely to facilitate natural spread.
The study recommends a registration system for boats and restriction of access to a number of designated launch points. A code of practice should also be developed to raise public awareness, it says. Monitoring to facilitate rapid eradication should take place, with the appointment of water keepers to support this.
Several regional fisheries boards – due to be reorganised under a new national authority – have called for legislation to deal with alien species. The report supports the view that legislation is required. It also notes that there is no central database for recording and tracking the occurrence of invasive species, but says this is being developed by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
The Western Regional Fisheries Board has distributed the report to stakeholders, including angling clubs. Chief executive Dr Greg Forde said it was “high time” that biosecurity zones were created to protect habitats.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Mandatory boat registration and appointment of water keepers has also been advised in the report by RPS Consultants for the Western Regional Fisheries Board. All three lakes have significant angling resources, and are designated under the EU habitats and bird directives.
The zebra mussel and the invasive waterweed Lagarosiphon major are among non-native species that have put a strain on the freshwater habitat of the Corrib.
Such species can have economic costs, in terms of prevention and control, and can also compromise the environmental status of the lakes, the report points out.
Angling, the location of fish hatcheries, pet shops and garden centres and research and management activities are identified as ways that biosecurity threats can travel.
The report identified 80 non-native aquatic species as posing a potential threat, with some 10 species designated as “high” or “very high” risk. Movement of contaminated trailers, boats, angling equipment and float tubes can have an impact, it says. Disposal of unwanted plants or the release of unwanted exotic fish can “seriously threaten” the lakes’ ecosystems.
It says there is “unlimited potential” for intentional introduction, due to unrestricted access, but says that unintentional introduction is the “most likely pathway”.
Natural spreading through water is the “least likely” pathway, it says. This is because Lough Carra is a spring-fed lake with only a few inflowing rivers and Mask is linked to Corrib by a karstic underground system that is not likely to facilitate natural spread.
The study recommends a registration system for boats and restriction of access to a number of designated launch points. A code of practice should also be developed to raise public awareness, it says. Monitoring to facilitate rapid eradication should take place, with the appointment of water keepers to support this.
Several regional fisheries boards – due to be reorganised under a new national authority – have called for legislation to deal with alien species. The report supports the view that legislation is required. It also notes that there is no central database for recording and tracking the occurrence of invasive species, but says this is being developed by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
The Western Regional Fisheries Board has distributed the report to stakeholders, including angling clubs. Chief executive Dr Greg Forde said it was “high time” that biosecurity zones were created to protect habitats.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Residents shocked at proposal for rail tunnel at Inchicore
A PLAN to open a tunnel portal at the Iarnród Éireann works in Inchicore, south Dublin, as part of the proposed underground Dart extension, was described as shocking by local residents at an information evening yesterday.
Dart Underground, estimated to cost €2 billion, is to run from Inchicore via Heuston rail station, the south inner city and Pearse Street to the Docklands. Underground stations are planned for Heuston, Christchurch, St Stephen’s Green and Pearse Station.
There will also be a station at Docklands and, Iarnród Éireann says, a station will be built at Inchicore, although this will be applied for separately and not as part of the overall railway order.
The underground system was originally to have started at Heuston station. However, the extension to Inchicore will dramatically reduce the impact of the tunnel’s development on existing rail services during the construction phase.
Dart Underground is predicted to treble existing capacity in the Dart and suburban network from a current 33 million passenger journeys a year to more than 100 million passengers.
A railway order for the public private partnership will be applied for later this year, Iarnród Éireann has said. Work should begin on the project in 2011 and be completed by 2015. It is expected to create up to 7,000 direct jobs during construction.
Tunnel burrowing machines working at 19m (62ft) below the surface, will carve out the 7.5km route, but cut and cover work will be carried out at the Docklands and at Inchicore.
The Iarnród Éireann works at Inchicore is close to residential areas. They are likely to be affected significantly by the development. Four houses in particular, at George’s Villas, will be close to the cut and cover works and at least one of those gardens will be the subject of a compulsory purchase order. A garden in Sarsfield Road will also be acquired to facilitate an air vent for the tunnel.
Joanne Holmewood, chairwoman of the CIÉ Residents Association, said residents were shocked by the proposals. “To open a portal in the middle of a residential area is shocking,” she said.
They were concerned at the effect of construction on their homes and at the loss of football grounds, a social club and a recreational area as part of the plan. Ms Holmewood also said residents were concerned that the Inchicore station might never be delivered because of access problems.
An Iarnród Éireann spokesman acknowledged that there would be disruption for local residents during construction. He said some residents may be given the option of vacating their homes during construction and being provided with temporary accommodation or Iarnród Éireann may offer to buy them out. “It is a matter for negotiation.”
He said construction traffic would reach the site from the west and not through the narrow streets of the railway buildings, and much of the material would be removed from the site by rail. A property protection scheme would also be put in place for houses under which the tunnel will pass.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Dart Underground, estimated to cost €2 billion, is to run from Inchicore via Heuston rail station, the south inner city and Pearse Street to the Docklands. Underground stations are planned for Heuston, Christchurch, St Stephen’s Green and Pearse Station.
There will also be a station at Docklands and, Iarnród Éireann says, a station will be built at Inchicore, although this will be applied for separately and not as part of the overall railway order.
The underground system was originally to have started at Heuston station. However, the extension to Inchicore will dramatically reduce the impact of the tunnel’s development on existing rail services during the construction phase.
Dart Underground is predicted to treble existing capacity in the Dart and suburban network from a current 33 million passenger journeys a year to more than 100 million passengers.
A railway order for the public private partnership will be applied for later this year, Iarnród Éireann has said. Work should begin on the project in 2011 and be completed by 2015. It is expected to create up to 7,000 direct jobs during construction.
Tunnel burrowing machines working at 19m (62ft) below the surface, will carve out the 7.5km route, but cut and cover work will be carried out at the Docklands and at Inchicore.
The Iarnród Éireann works at Inchicore is close to residential areas. They are likely to be affected significantly by the development. Four houses in particular, at George’s Villas, will be close to the cut and cover works and at least one of those gardens will be the subject of a compulsory purchase order. A garden in Sarsfield Road will also be acquired to facilitate an air vent for the tunnel.
Joanne Holmewood, chairwoman of the CIÉ Residents Association, said residents were shocked by the proposals. “To open a portal in the middle of a residential area is shocking,” she said.
They were concerned at the effect of construction on their homes and at the loss of football grounds, a social club and a recreational area as part of the plan. Ms Holmewood also said residents were concerned that the Inchicore station might never be delivered because of access problems.
An Iarnród Éireann spokesman acknowledged that there would be disruption for local residents during construction. He said some residents may be given the option of vacating their homes during construction and being provided with temporary accommodation or Iarnród Éireann may offer to buy them out. “It is a matter for negotiation.”
He said construction traffic would reach the site from the west and not through the narrow streets of the railway buildings, and much of the material would be removed from the site by rail. A property protection scheme would also be put in place for houses under which the tunnel will pass.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 20 April 2009
National transport plan to encourage greater uptake of cycling
THE MINISTER for Transport Noel Dempsey has said that he will begin immediate implementation of the National Cycle Policy Framework, which is published today.
The Minister has called in representatives from four government departments, various State agencies and 34 county and city councils for a workshop this morning to co-ordinate the plan.
The new cycling policy, which complements the National Sustainable Transport Plan, contains 109 individual actions to encourage a greater uptake of cycling.
The agencies will be asked to come up with plans to develop key recommendations including the development of a national cycle network including inter-urban routes, local recreation routes and urban commuter routes.
The policy envisages that all State-owned land, including tow-paths, Coillte estates and former railway lines, be available for cycling.
The number of people who cycle to work and school has been in rapid decline since the 1980s. Only 2 per cent of commuting trips in Ireland are made by bicycle.
This compares to figures of 40 per cent or higher in some European cities.
As part of his wider plan for sustainable transport, Mr Dempsey has said that he plans to encourage 10 per cent of commuters to travel by bike by 2020 – equivalent to 160,000 people cycling to work each day. At present only 35,000 do so.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The Minister has called in representatives from four government departments, various State agencies and 34 county and city councils for a workshop this morning to co-ordinate the plan.
The new cycling policy, which complements the National Sustainable Transport Plan, contains 109 individual actions to encourage a greater uptake of cycling.
The agencies will be asked to come up with plans to develop key recommendations including the development of a national cycle network including inter-urban routes, local recreation routes and urban commuter routes.
The policy envisages that all State-owned land, including tow-paths, Coillte estates and former railway lines, be available for cycling.
The number of people who cycle to work and school has been in rapid decline since the 1980s. Only 2 per cent of commuting trips in Ireland are made by bicycle.
This compares to figures of 40 per cent or higher in some European cities.
As part of his wider plan for sustainable transport, Mr Dempsey has said that he plans to encourage 10 per cent of commuters to travel by bike by 2020 – equivalent to 160,000 people cycling to work each day. At present only 35,000 do so.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Dunnes seeks planning permission for Crumlin SC redevelopment
Dunnes Stores has sought planning permission to redevelop the Crumlin Shopping Centre, which sits on an 8.1 acre site on the Crumlin Road in Dublin 12.
Using a company called Crumlin Investments, Dunnes last week applied to Dublin City Council for permission for a retail and mixed-use scheme. It also sought permission for the redevelopment of a half-acre site occupied by the Crumlin Leisure Centre.
The existing Crumlin Shopping Centre has a floor area of 10,000 square metres, which would be increased to 17,000 square metres under the plan proposed by Dunnes. It also involves the upgrading and resurfacing of the existing car park.
If permission is granted, a pub on the first floor of the centre, and the three shops below the pub fronting onto Crumlin Road, will be retained.
The new scheme will be made up of nine shops, and range in height between 11 metres and 15 metres.
These new shops would include two anchor units measuring 9,288 square metres and 2,316 square metres, four smaller retail units and three retained units. Both anchor units will have mezzanine level, each with staff areas and storage areas.
There will also be a 136 square metre café accessed from a new internal mall that opens onto the car park. There is provision for 490 car parking spaces. The plans also include a management suite at mezzanine level and office space on the first floor.
Sunday Business Post
www.buckplanning.ie
Using a company called Crumlin Investments, Dunnes last week applied to Dublin City Council for permission for a retail and mixed-use scheme. It also sought permission for the redevelopment of a half-acre site occupied by the Crumlin Leisure Centre.
The existing Crumlin Shopping Centre has a floor area of 10,000 square metres, which would be increased to 17,000 square metres under the plan proposed by Dunnes. It also involves the upgrading and resurfacing of the existing car park.
If permission is granted, a pub on the first floor of the centre, and the three shops below the pub fronting onto Crumlin Road, will be retained.
The new scheme will be made up of nine shops, and range in height between 11 metres and 15 metres.
These new shops would include two anchor units measuring 9,288 square metres and 2,316 square metres, four smaller retail units and three retained units. Both anchor units will have mezzanine level, each with staff areas and storage areas.
There will also be a 136 square metre café accessed from a new internal mall that opens onto the car park. There is provision for 490 car parking spaces. The plans also include a management suite at mezzanine level and office space on the first floor.
Sunday Business Post
www.buckplanning.ie
Galway council orders sewage dumping to stop
More than 30,000 tonnes of human waste were dumped on farmland in east Galway without proper environmental safeguards or controls for more than three years, The Sunday Business Post has learned.
Galway County Council has ordered Land Organics, a Kilkenny waste management company hired by Galway City Council, to stop dumping the so-called ‘sludge’ from the Mutton Island sewage treatment facility in the city.
Land Organics has said it will comply immediately with the council’s order, which it learned of last Friday. The city council will now have to make emergency arrangements for disposal of the waste, which is being produced at a rate of 130 tonnes per week.# The waste company has transported more than 7,000 tonnes of the city’s waste into rural east Galway each year since October 2005.
It has also taken about 3,000 tonnes of waste per year to the area from Mayo County Council. The sludge, which is a byproduct of the treatment process at the Mutton Island facility, was being stored on lands owed by an east Galway farmer before being spread on neighbouring agricultural lands as fertiliser.
Land Organics receives an undisclosed fee from Galway City Council to collect and dispose of the waste.
The city council did not comment when contacted last week.
Documents seen by this newspaper show that Galway Co Council had informed local activists on numerous occasions that the facility where the sludge was being stored did not require planning permission or an environmental assessment. However, it has now said that permission is required, and ordered that dumping stop immediately.
Locals in the Clonfert, Meelick and Eyrecourt areas of east Galway have campaigned against the waste dumping since 2005. They have complained that the smell from the waste has damaged their quality of life and have raised concerns about adverse health effects.
Sunday Business Post
www.buckplanning.ie
Galway County Council has ordered Land Organics, a Kilkenny waste management company hired by Galway City Council, to stop dumping the so-called ‘sludge’ from the Mutton Island sewage treatment facility in the city.
Land Organics has said it will comply immediately with the council’s order, which it learned of last Friday. The city council will now have to make emergency arrangements for disposal of the waste, which is being produced at a rate of 130 tonnes per week.# The waste company has transported more than 7,000 tonnes of the city’s waste into rural east Galway each year since October 2005.
It has also taken about 3,000 tonnes of waste per year to the area from Mayo County Council. The sludge, which is a byproduct of the treatment process at the Mutton Island facility, was being stored on lands owed by an east Galway farmer before being spread on neighbouring agricultural lands as fertiliser.
Land Organics receives an undisclosed fee from Galway City Council to collect and dispose of the waste.
The city council did not comment when contacted last week.
Documents seen by this newspaper show that Galway Co Council had informed local activists on numerous occasions that the facility where the sludge was being stored did not require planning permission or an environmental assessment. However, it has now said that permission is required, and ordered that dumping stop immediately.
Locals in the Clonfert, Meelick and Eyrecourt areas of east Galway have campaigned against the waste dumping since 2005. They have complained that the smell from the waste has damaged their quality of life and have raised concerns about adverse health effects.
Sunday Business Post
www.buckplanning.ie
Developers set sites on rezoning
The recession is here and NAMA is coming, but well-known developers are queuing up to have their land rezoned in Cork, writes Neil Callanan.
Rugby and retail were two of the stand-out sections amidst the plethora of rezoning submissions made to Cork City Council ahead of the introduction of its new development plan which will be passed this year. Public consultation on the proposed amendments closed recently and a number of well-known developers were among those seeking rezoning of their land.
Owen O'Callaghan and John Deane's O'Callaghan Properties sought the rezoning of Mahon Point Centre as a town centre/district centre, which would be subject to a local area plan (LAP), a position supported by Tesco. These LAPs need to be prepared quickly, it said, ideally within 12 months and the council should accept proposals for stakeholders in an LAP area, they stated. The city manager said the LAP would be drawn up this year and the issues would be best dealt with then.
They also made a submission on the opportunities for the redevelopment of Temple Hill where Cork Constitution are currently based. The two sides have agreed a land swap that will see O'Callaghan Properties provide new facilities for the club near Douglas in return for taking on the Temple Hill ground. The development company says there is an opportunity for a "neighbourhood hub" there.
However, city manager Joe Gavin said that the "loss of these pitches and their relocation would be wholly undesirable". He said: "Their retention is vital not just for the existing population but also for future residents. If the facility is lost it cannot be easily replaced in a built-up area." He recommended no change to the zoning as sports grounds.
Cork Constitution was not the only rugby organisation involved in rezoning attempts. The Munster branch of the IRFU wanted 2.75 acres of the ground at Musgrave Park rezoned to "residential, local services and institutional uses' or to have the entire site rezoned and the stadium relocated. The 2.75 acre rezoning made sense, the manager said.
Alchemy, part of Reox Holdings, sought the rezoning of its land opposite Musgrave Park but the manager said this should not be allowed.
CIE, meanwhile, said it is planning a "new multi model transport interchange" at Horgan's Quay next to Kent Station and said the proposed zoning would not facilitiate that. It also believes that the site should be zoned within the city centre retail area.
Its joint venture development partner, Joe Moran's Manor Park Homebuilders, also said it wants the plan to "allow a significant portion of retail development at the station to act as an anchor destination and maximise the potential of this edge of centre transport hub".
At the train station itself, Iarnród Eireann wants to develop a multi-storey car park and the goods shed removed from the record of protected structures. The manager recommended that car parks be allowed in "exceptional circumstances" on street frontages.
The manager also warned about office oversupply. "The capacity of the areas currently zoned for offices very significantly exceeds the likely new office space in the city for the next 20 years. It is not considered appropriate therefore to undermine the locations which are the most desirable from a proper planning and sustainable development perspective by extensive additional zoning for offices on an ad hoc basis," he wrote.
A number of local developers made submissions. Clayton Love Jr's Shipton Group asked the council to facilitate further expansion of its district centre in Blackpool. The manager recommended it be extended to include existing buildings but did not back the rezoning of land around the local rail station, which the Shipton Group had requested.
O'Brien & O'Flynn also sought the extension of the existing area zoned for residential development on a site at Silver Spring Lane in Tivoli. The site was designated "an area of high landscape value" and the manager said only minor changes should be allowed.
McCarthy Developments want permission to develop a tall building at its Jacob's Island land in Mahon and to have the site upgraded to a neighbourhood centre which would increase the land available for retail. It also sought to rezone lands at the entrance of the scheme from public open space to residential and other uses but the manager disagreed with this.
Car importers MDL, meanwhile, want its site at Turners Cross rezoned for mixed use development to allow "greater flexibility" in the development of the land while Dulux asked for its site in Blackpool to be rezoned with the possibility of high-density residential, commercial, leisure and employment uses. The manager said Dulux's site would be dealt with as part of an LAP but said the MDL zoning should not be changed.
UCC and the Mercy Hospital made a joint submission outlining their disappointment at the "presumption against development" on the Old Distillery site, North Mall and UCC lands in the area.
They also said that the plan should include more "flexible objectives that promote future site development rather than constraint to ensure proper development of educational and health care facilities".
UCC also asked for the council to allow increased student housing on its land between the college and the city centre including the former greyhound track.
Semi-state ESB wants the Wilton district centre expanded to include its lands which would boost their value. Alvonway Investments, which owns the shopping centre there, asked for more flexibility to allow the centre be redeveloped and said the amount of retail space should be revised upwards.
The manager said expanding the centre to include the ESB's land would be inappropriate and recommended no change to the permitted retail cap at Wilton.
Heineken Ireland, meanwhile, said the Murphy's brewery at Leitrim Street should be protected but said that the city-centre retail area, where the Beamish & Crawford brewery it now owns is located, should have a mixed-use designation. It also said a proposed pedestrian link with the brewery should be moved.
Heineken disappointed the city when it closed the Beamish brewery and said it would sell it off to the highest bidder. It had been hoped that the brewery would be retained in some form, even as a microbrewery.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Rugby and retail were two of the stand-out sections amidst the plethora of rezoning submissions made to Cork City Council ahead of the introduction of its new development plan which will be passed this year. Public consultation on the proposed amendments closed recently and a number of well-known developers were among those seeking rezoning of their land.
Owen O'Callaghan and John Deane's O'Callaghan Properties sought the rezoning of Mahon Point Centre as a town centre/district centre, which would be subject to a local area plan (LAP), a position supported by Tesco. These LAPs need to be prepared quickly, it said, ideally within 12 months and the council should accept proposals for stakeholders in an LAP area, they stated. The city manager said the LAP would be drawn up this year and the issues would be best dealt with then.
They also made a submission on the opportunities for the redevelopment of Temple Hill where Cork Constitution are currently based. The two sides have agreed a land swap that will see O'Callaghan Properties provide new facilities for the club near Douglas in return for taking on the Temple Hill ground. The development company says there is an opportunity for a "neighbourhood hub" there.
However, city manager Joe Gavin said that the "loss of these pitches and their relocation would be wholly undesirable". He said: "Their retention is vital not just for the existing population but also for future residents. If the facility is lost it cannot be easily replaced in a built-up area." He recommended no change to the zoning as sports grounds.
Cork Constitution was not the only rugby organisation involved in rezoning attempts. The Munster branch of the IRFU wanted 2.75 acres of the ground at Musgrave Park rezoned to "residential, local services and institutional uses' or to have the entire site rezoned and the stadium relocated. The 2.75 acre rezoning made sense, the manager said.
Alchemy, part of Reox Holdings, sought the rezoning of its land opposite Musgrave Park but the manager said this should not be allowed.
CIE, meanwhile, said it is planning a "new multi model transport interchange" at Horgan's Quay next to Kent Station and said the proposed zoning would not facilitiate that. It also believes that the site should be zoned within the city centre retail area.
Its joint venture development partner, Joe Moran's Manor Park Homebuilders, also said it wants the plan to "allow a significant portion of retail development at the station to act as an anchor destination and maximise the potential of this edge of centre transport hub".
At the train station itself, Iarnród Eireann wants to develop a multi-storey car park and the goods shed removed from the record of protected structures. The manager recommended that car parks be allowed in "exceptional circumstances" on street frontages.
The manager also warned about office oversupply. "The capacity of the areas currently zoned for offices very significantly exceeds the likely new office space in the city for the next 20 years. It is not considered appropriate therefore to undermine the locations which are the most desirable from a proper planning and sustainable development perspective by extensive additional zoning for offices on an ad hoc basis," he wrote.
A number of local developers made submissions. Clayton Love Jr's Shipton Group asked the council to facilitate further expansion of its district centre in Blackpool. The manager recommended it be extended to include existing buildings but did not back the rezoning of land around the local rail station, which the Shipton Group had requested.
O'Brien & O'Flynn also sought the extension of the existing area zoned for residential development on a site at Silver Spring Lane in Tivoli. The site was designated "an area of high landscape value" and the manager said only minor changes should be allowed.
McCarthy Developments want permission to develop a tall building at its Jacob's Island land in Mahon and to have the site upgraded to a neighbourhood centre which would increase the land available for retail. It also sought to rezone lands at the entrance of the scheme from public open space to residential and other uses but the manager disagreed with this.
Car importers MDL, meanwhile, want its site at Turners Cross rezoned for mixed use development to allow "greater flexibility" in the development of the land while Dulux asked for its site in Blackpool to be rezoned with the possibility of high-density residential, commercial, leisure and employment uses. The manager said Dulux's site would be dealt with as part of an LAP but said the MDL zoning should not be changed.
UCC and the Mercy Hospital made a joint submission outlining their disappointment at the "presumption against development" on the Old Distillery site, North Mall and UCC lands in the area.
They also said that the plan should include more "flexible objectives that promote future site development rather than constraint to ensure proper development of educational and health care facilities".
UCC also asked for the council to allow increased student housing on its land between the college and the city centre including the former greyhound track.
Semi-state ESB wants the Wilton district centre expanded to include its lands which would boost their value. Alvonway Investments, which owns the shopping centre there, asked for more flexibility to allow the centre be redeveloped and said the amount of retail space should be revised upwards.
The manager said expanding the centre to include the ESB's land would be inappropriate and recommended no change to the permitted retail cap at Wilton.
Heineken Ireland, meanwhile, said the Murphy's brewery at Leitrim Street should be protected but said that the city-centre retail area, where the Beamish & Crawford brewery it now owns is located, should have a mixed-use designation. It also said a proposed pedestrian link with the brewery should be moved.
Heineken disappointed the city when it closed the Beamish brewery and said it would sell it off to the highest bidder. It had been hoped that the brewery would be retained in some form, even as a microbrewery.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Keegan overruled in Carrickmines retail zoning
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council has cleared the way for a much bigger retail development on land part-owned by developer Michael Cotter in Carrickmines, despite objections from the county manager.
Councillors voted to redesignate the site a "district" centre, increasing the level of retail space permitted by 6,000 square metres to 25,000 square metres. The decision, which was carried by one vote, was made against the recommendation of county manager Owen Keegan, who was concerned the move would lead to retail space well in excess of the area's needs.
The site is just 2.5 kilometres from a 35,000 square-metre retail centre planned for Cherrywood and two kilometres from a proposed "neighbourhood" centre in Kiltiernan. Councillors were warned that redesignating the Carrickmines site might have to be offset by a reduction of both of these developments because the road network cannot support all three. Nonetheless, the change was supported by a combination of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and independent councillors.
The move is likely to lead to the redesign of The Park Village scheme being developed by Cotter's Park Developments and private investors. The site is already home to around 31,000 square metres of retail warehousing with retailers including PC World and TK Maxx on site.
Permission for a "neighbourhood" centre including about 7,000 square metres of retail and retail services was approved in April last year.
The scheme also includes 83,900 square metres of residential space comprising 331 units and 20,783 square metres of offices space as well was provision for a health centre, crèches, restaurants and a gym. However, the council rejected a subsequent application to include a cinema and bowling alley in the development in February.
The redesignation was requested in a submission on behalf of the developers, with the company claiming that a bigger centre would attract quality retailers and create jobs.
"High-profile, quality international-brand potential tenants have expressed significant interest in acquiring units in The Park. However, this is currently not possible due to the neighbourhood centre designation on the site.
"The reclassification of The Park, Carrickmines as a district centre would attract many quality retailers to the centre, greatly enhancing the vitality and viability of the area... It is considered that the redesignation of the centre would lead to immediate job announcements," they state.
Labour Councillor Aidan Culhane, who was among those who voted against the motion, said intensifying the retail offering in the area was unnecessary.
"There is very little evidence that south Dublin needs more shopping at the moment, particularly this kind of 'side of the motorway' shopping. I would be very doubtful that another shopping centre on another motorway interchange is really the way to go," he said.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Councillors voted to redesignate the site a "district" centre, increasing the level of retail space permitted by 6,000 square metres to 25,000 square metres. The decision, which was carried by one vote, was made against the recommendation of county manager Owen Keegan, who was concerned the move would lead to retail space well in excess of the area's needs.
The site is just 2.5 kilometres from a 35,000 square-metre retail centre planned for Cherrywood and two kilometres from a proposed "neighbourhood" centre in Kiltiernan. Councillors were warned that redesignating the Carrickmines site might have to be offset by a reduction of both of these developments because the road network cannot support all three. Nonetheless, the change was supported by a combination of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and independent councillors.
The move is likely to lead to the redesign of The Park Village scheme being developed by Cotter's Park Developments and private investors. The site is already home to around 31,000 square metres of retail warehousing with retailers including PC World and TK Maxx on site.
Permission for a "neighbourhood" centre including about 7,000 square metres of retail and retail services was approved in April last year.
The scheme also includes 83,900 square metres of residential space comprising 331 units and 20,783 square metres of offices space as well was provision for a health centre, crèches, restaurants and a gym. However, the council rejected a subsequent application to include a cinema and bowling alley in the development in February.
The redesignation was requested in a submission on behalf of the developers, with the company claiming that a bigger centre would attract quality retailers and create jobs.
"High-profile, quality international-brand potential tenants have expressed significant interest in acquiring units in The Park. However, this is currently not possible due to the neighbourhood centre designation on the site.
"The reclassification of The Park, Carrickmines as a district centre would attract many quality retailers to the centre, greatly enhancing the vitality and viability of the area... It is considered that the redesignation of the centre would lead to immediate job announcements," they state.
Labour Councillor Aidan Culhane, who was among those who voted against the motion, said intensifying the retail offering in the area was unnecessary.
"There is very little evidence that south Dublin needs more shopping at the moment, particularly this kind of 'side of the motorway' shopping. I would be very doubtful that another shopping centre on another motorway interchange is really the way to go," he said.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Council plan gives green light to Citywest schemes
Land at Fortunestown Lane in Citywest, west Dublin, which is owned by developers Pat Doherty and Jim Mansfield, is to be developed after the local council drew up a new local area plan guiding the future of the area.
The land was rezoned from green belt in 2006 when councillors voted in favour of allowing the land be developed for "new residential communities". They decided to back the rezoning after Doherty, Mansfield and Davy Hickey said they would pay €13m each to finance the extension of the Luas to Citywest.
As part of the rezoning deal, 20 acres were to be set aside for community facilities including all-weather pitches, a school
and community building. Management at the council and councillors in the immediate area were in favour of the deal.
Ahead of the plan
being drawn up, Doherty's Airscape made a submission on 66.7 acres it owns
there, which is the majority of the site, and outlined
plans for a plaza area adjacent to the Luas terminus, and various densities of residential development.
Mansfield's HSS Developments made a submission in relation to a site of more than three acres he owns at the junction of Fortunestown Lane and Garter Lane.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
The land was rezoned from green belt in 2006 when councillors voted in favour of allowing the land be developed for "new residential communities". They decided to back the rezoning after Doherty, Mansfield and Davy Hickey said they would pay €13m each to finance the extension of the Luas to Citywest.
As part of the rezoning deal, 20 acres were to be set aside for community facilities including all-weather pitches, a school
and community building. Management at the council and councillors in the immediate area were in favour of the deal.
Ahead of the plan
being drawn up, Doherty's Airscape made a submission on 66.7 acres it owns
there, which is the majority of the site, and outlined
plans for a plaza area adjacent to the Luas terminus, and various densities of residential development.
Mansfield's HSS Developments made a submission in relation to a site of more than three acres he owns at the junction of Fortunestown Lane and Garter Lane.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Abolish planning objection fees – FG
FINE Gael has called for the abolition of controversial planning 'objection fees' after it was revealed that only €3m was raised in a period of four years.
The charges – applied to anyone who files objections or submissions on proposed developments – have been criticised as a barrier to people's involvement in the planning process.
Fine Gael spokesman on the environment Phil Hogan said that the total revenue raised from the fees, which amounts to less than €1m a year, was "miniscule" in the overall scale of local government finances.
Opposition to their introduction went as far as the European Court of Justice in 2006 although it was later ruled that the government could maintain them.
But now, as a result of figures obtained by Fine Gael, the value of the controversial levies has again come under scrutiny. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, anyone wishing to lodge a submission or objection to a planning application must pay an initial fee of €20 to the local authority.
Costs then range from €50 to €210 for third-party submissions to An Bord Pleanála.
However, figures show that from 2004 to 2007 just €3,047,943 was collected by local authorities.
"The planning fees are miniscule in the overall scale of the finances of local government," said Hogan. "It costs as much to administer the charge as the amount they collect. This figure is so small it indicates that this charge should be terminated."
The amount collected from the contentious fees rose from €597,779 in 2004 to €897,398 in 2007. It is unclear what effect the downturn will have on that revenue given that the building industry has taken a severe hit.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
The charges – applied to anyone who files objections or submissions on proposed developments – have been criticised as a barrier to people's involvement in the planning process.
Fine Gael spokesman on the environment Phil Hogan said that the total revenue raised from the fees, which amounts to less than €1m a year, was "miniscule" in the overall scale of local government finances.
Opposition to their introduction went as far as the European Court of Justice in 2006 although it was later ruled that the government could maintain them.
But now, as a result of figures obtained by Fine Gael, the value of the controversial levies has again come under scrutiny. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, anyone wishing to lodge a submission or objection to a planning application must pay an initial fee of €20 to the local authority.
Costs then range from €50 to €210 for third-party submissions to An Bord Pleanála.
However, figures show that from 2004 to 2007 just €3,047,943 was collected by local authorities.
"The planning fees are miniscule in the overall scale of the finances of local government," said Hogan. "It costs as much to administer the charge as the amount they collect. This figure is so small it indicates that this charge should be terminated."
The amount collected from the contentious fees rose from €597,779 in 2004 to €897,398 in 2007. It is unclear what effect the downturn will have on that revenue given that the building industry has taken a severe hit.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Plans for massacre site angers locals
A WICKLOW developer has come under fire over attempts to build houses on the site of a 17th-century massacre in which hundreds of Irish peasants were slaughtered by British forces.
The local authority recently granted planning permission for the development at Weston Close in Ballyguile but now residents, politicians and historians are appealing it to An Bord Pleanála.
Environment minister John Gormley has also responded to submissions made by a concerned party and his department is currently reviewing the granted planning permission. However, a spokesperson for the department said that they do not have any remit to interfere with a local authority's decision in planning matters. According to local sources, the soil entombs the remains of over 300 people whose bodies were first discovered by the local authority in the 1930s. The find halted earlier development attempts.
But developer Paddy Meyler told the Sunday Tribune that he has archaeological reports from an original planning permission in 1996 that shows there are no remains where he is planning to build three houses. That planning permission lapsed in 2001 and the application was subsequently renewed.
The 17th-century victims had crowded into a church on the site which was burned to the ground by vengeful soldiers following a raid on Black Castle by the O'Toole clan, some time around the late 1640s.
"The Irish above all have always shown respect for the dead," said Eamonn Griffin of the National Graves Association. "Anytime anyone has gone near the area they have found remains. The reason this is important is that this is the last resting place of civilians who were massacred."
A meeting of local residents and other concerned parties took place last week to plan their next objection, this time to An Bord Pleanála.
Sinn Féin councillor Eamonn Long, who is amongst the objectors, said the massacre was an act of vengeance by Sir Charles Coote, a military leader during the infamous Cromwellian era. "Many of them tried to escape the fire but they [the British soldiers] killed them on the way out," he said. "Generations of people have passed this story down and the area actually got its name from that day – Baile na nGol, which means 'the hill of the crying'."
Long claims that previous attempts to develop the site were halted by the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the same reasons. "A lot of people are aware of the history of the site. They are not against building as such but they want the council to preserve this site."
However, the developer claims that archaeologists have already said there are no remains, but that they will be present during construction. He has also promised to provide a memorial to the victims and a public park.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
The local authority recently granted planning permission for the development at Weston Close in Ballyguile but now residents, politicians and historians are appealing it to An Bord Pleanála.
Environment minister John Gormley has also responded to submissions made by a concerned party and his department is currently reviewing the granted planning permission. However, a spokesperson for the department said that they do not have any remit to interfere with a local authority's decision in planning matters. According to local sources, the soil entombs the remains of over 300 people whose bodies were first discovered by the local authority in the 1930s. The find halted earlier development attempts.
But developer Paddy Meyler told the Sunday Tribune that he has archaeological reports from an original planning permission in 1996 that shows there are no remains where he is planning to build three houses. That planning permission lapsed in 2001 and the application was subsequently renewed.
The 17th-century victims had crowded into a church on the site which was burned to the ground by vengeful soldiers following a raid on Black Castle by the O'Toole clan, some time around the late 1640s.
"The Irish above all have always shown respect for the dead," said Eamonn Griffin of the National Graves Association. "Anytime anyone has gone near the area they have found remains. The reason this is important is that this is the last resting place of civilians who were massacred."
A meeting of local residents and other concerned parties took place last week to plan their next objection, this time to An Bord Pleanála.
Sinn Féin councillor Eamonn Long, who is amongst the objectors, said the massacre was an act of vengeance by Sir Charles Coote, a military leader during the infamous Cromwellian era. "Many of them tried to escape the fire but they [the British soldiers] killed them on the way out," he said. "Generations of people have passed this story down and the area actually got its name from that day – Baile na nGol, which means 'the hill of the crying'."
Long claims that previous attempts to develop the site were halted by the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the same reasons. "A lot of people are aware of the history of the site. They are not against building as such but they want the council to preserve this site."
However, the developer claims that archaeologists have already said there are no remains, but that they will be present during construction. He has also promised to provide a memorial to the victims and a public park.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Rock face-off: row over zoning near Tipp attraction
Plans to build on land close to the Rock of Cashel would destroy the iconic tourist site, say protestors.
The Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland's most iconic tourist sites, is at risk of being irrevocably damaged under proposals currently being considered by South Tipperary County Council, according to campaigners.
The plans, which they say would lead to the unnecessary rezoning of hundreds of acres of valuable land close to the rock, have prompted the national trust, An Taisce, to called on the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, to directly intervene.
Local business leaders also fear that if approved, the proposals could put an end to hopes that the rock can be designated a Unesco world heritage site (WHS), a development which is seen as key to attracting tourism revenue to the town. The council has strongly refuted these claims.
In a letter sent to Gormley last month, An Taisce heritage officer Ian Lumley criticised the overall plan's provision for "excessive residential rezoning" in the town, including over 100 acres of newly zoned "industrial" land, and more than 140 acres of newly zoned residential land.
He claimed that there are already more than 250 unoccupied housing units in Cashel, and said there will be a "substantial uplift" in value when lands to the north of the rock is rezoned.
This could lead to "inappropriate" development applications, he said.
He also expressed concern about the risk of extending "suburban sprawl" around the eastern side of the rock, and the removal of a number of protected structures from the plans.
Dr Niall Gregory, president of Cashel Chamber of Commerce, told the Sunday Tribune that the proposals could sound the "death knell" for hopes that the rock can be designated a Unesco world heritage site.
Such a designation – there are only two such sites in the state, Skellig Michael and the Bend of the Boyne – is seen as key to boosting tourist numbers in the town. It is estimated that some 250,000 tourists visit the rock each year.
Dr Gregory, an archaeology consultant, noted that the plans allowed for twice the growth in population of the town envisaged in the 2006 census by 2020.
He also cited concerns about the erosion of an existing architectural conservation area beside rock.
"This erodes protection of the area from development and thus protection of the buffer zone surrounding the rock for inscription to Unesco world heritage status," he said.
"New residential zoning within the visual buffer for the rock…will eliminate inscription for world heritage status for the rock. There should be no residential zoning here."
However, Sonja Reidy, senior executive planner with the council, defended the plans, which she stressed were still under discussion.
"Cashel is a living and breathing town, and it needs to grow and adapt," she said. "We would see that certain sites close to the rock could be appropriate for residential use… any development would have to have regard to the impact on the visual amenity of the rock."
She said the council had been working with Gormley's department and other agencies to advance the prospects of the rock gaining WHS status.
"It would certainly be our opinion that the ethos behind the draft plan would benefit the rock, in terms of the tourism impact and accessibility. We don't feel it would in any way play a negative role."
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
The Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland's most iconic tourist sites, is at risk of being irrevocably damaged under proposals currently being considered by South Tipperary County Council, according to campaigners.
The plans, which they say would lead to the unnecessary rezoning of hundreds of acres of valuable land close to the rock, have prompted the national trust, An Taisce, to called on the Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, to directly intervene.
Local business leaders also fear that if approved, the proposals could put an end to hopes that the rock can be designated a Unesco world heritage site (WHS), a development which is seen as key to attracting tourism revenue to the town. The council has strongly refuted these claims.
In a letter sent to Gormley last month, An Taisce heritage officer Ian Lumley criticised the overall plan's provision for "excessive residential rezoning" in the town, including over 100 acres of newly zoned "industrial" land, and more than 140 acres of newly zoned residential land.
He claimed that there are already more than 250 unoccupied housing units in Cashel, and said there will be a "substantial uplift" in value when lands to the north of the rock is rezoned.
This could lead to "inappropriate" development applications, he said.
He also expressed concern about the risk of extending "suburban sprawl" around the eastern side of the rock, and the removal of a number of protected structures from the plans.
Dr Niall Gregory, president of Cashel Chamber of Commerce, told the Sunday Tribune that the proposals could sound the "death knell" for hopes that the rock can be designated a Unesco world heritage site.
Such a designation – there are only two such sites in the state, Skellig Michael and the Bend of the Boyne – is seen as key to boosting tourist numbers in the town. It is estimated that some 250,000 tourists visit the rock each year.
Dr Gregory, an archaeology consultant, noted that the plans allowed for twice the growth in population of the town envisaged in the 2006 census by 2020.
He also cited concerns about the erosion of an existing architectural conservation area beside rock.
"This erodes protection of the area from development and thus protection of the buffer zone surrounding the rock for inscription to Unesco world heritage status," he said.
"New residential zoning within the visual buffer for the rock…will eliminate inscription for world heritage status for the rock. There should be no residential zoning here."
However, Sonja Reidy, senior executive planner with the council, defended the plans, which she stressed were still under discussion.
"Cashel is a living and breathing town, and it needs to grow and adapt," she said. "We would see that certain sites close to the rock could be appropriate for residential use… any development would have to have regard to the impact on the visual amenity of the rock."
She said the council had been working with Gormley's department and other agencies to advance the prospects of the rock gaining WHS status.
"It would certainly be our opinion that the ethos behind the draft plan would benefit the rock, in terms of the tourism impact and accessibility. We don't feel it would in any way play a negative role."
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Large areas of Dublin to close to traffic for metro building
LARGE AREAS of Dublin city centre will be closed to private cars during the planned construction of Metro North, an oral hearing into the project has heard.
New details of proposed traffic restrictions, due to start this autumn in tandem with construction works, were contained in a “scheme traffic management plan” circulated at the inquiry yesterday by the Railway Procurement Agency.
The agency is seeking permission to build the metro line from St Stephen’s Green to Swords via Dublin airport.
Its management plan said all “general traffic” would be removed from the east side of Parnell Square, limiting access to a single bus lane.
From Parnell Square to St Stephen’s Green via O’Connell Street, enabling works would see footpaths realigned and the “protection or removal” of existing trees and shrubbery as well as street furniture and statues.
At O’Connell Bridge there will be a ban on right turns from Bachelor’s Walk to O’Connell Bridge, and on right turns from the bridge to Eden Quay for all traffic.
It is also proposed to close the vehicular access from Westmoreland Street to Fleet Street, westbound towards Temple Bar. The left-hand turn from Westmoreland Street to Aston Quay would be closed.
The number of traffic lanes available in Westmoreland Street, following the establishment of a “bus gate” in College Green, is to be reduced progressively to one bus lane. A north-bound lane would be introduced in D’Olier Street.
A new public transport-only bridge is to be provided between Marlborough Street and Hawkins Street “to primarily provide a turn-back for buses between the north and south quays”.
At St Stephen’s Green the current route along St Stephen’s Green North via St Stephen’s Green West and through Glovers Alley is to be permanently closed.
The direction of traffic on Glovers Alley is to be reversed to facilitate an eastbound movement of traffic from Mercer Street to St Stephen’s Green West.
A traffic lane is to be opened up in front of the Royal College of Surgeons to allow existing traffic from Glovers Alley to turn right and travel southbound on St Stephen’s Green West and enter York Street.
Existing bus routes, in particular those which use Westmoreland Street and Aston Quay, are to be revised. Some 30 Dublin Bus routes would be affected in addition to those operated by private operators.
Some taxi parking spaces in St Stephen’s Green North are to be relocated to St Stephen’s Green West, south of York Street.
The plan admits there will be significant traffic disruption in Ballymun during construction, but says there will be minimal disruption to traffic during the building of the underground section of Metro North at Dublin airport.
The Railway Procurement Agency told the inquiry the plan would be an “evolving one” and would respond to input from a Metro North Traffic Forum, which is to be set up. It will include representatives from the city council, Fingal County Council, Dublin Bus, An Garda, the Dublin Transportation Office, Bus Éireann, the Railway Procurement Agency and the contractors.
The committee is to meet fortnightly during construction to oversee arrangements.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
New details of proposed traffic restrictions, due to start this autumn in tandem with construction works, were contained in a “scheme traffic management plan” circulated at the inquiry yesterday by the Railway Procurement Agency.
The agency is seeking permission to build the metro line from St Stephen’s Green to Swords via Dublin airport.
Its management plan said all “general traffic” would be removed from the east side of Parnell Square, limiting access to a single bus lane.
From Parnell Square to St Stephen’s Green via O’Connell Street, enabling works would see footpaths realigned and the “protection or removal” of existing trees and shrubbery as well as street furniture and statues.
At O’Connell Bridge there will be a ban on right turns from Bachelor’s Walk to O’Connell Bridge, and on right turns from the bridge to Eden Quay for all traffic.
It is also proposed to close the vehicular access from Westmoreland Street to Fleet Street, westbound towards Temple Bar. The left-hand turn from Westmoreland Street to Aston Quay would be closed.
The number of traffic lanes available in Westmoreland Street, following the establishment of a “bus gate” in College Green, is to be reduced progressively to one bus lane. A north-bound lane would be introduced in D’Olier Street.
A new public transport-only bridge is to be provided between Marlborough Street and Hawkins Street “to primarily provide a turn-back for buses between the north and south quays”.
At St Stephen’s Green the current route along St Stephen’s Green North via St Stephen’s Green West and through Glovers Alley is to be permanently closed.
The direction of traffic on Glovers Alley is to be reversed to facilitate an eastbound movement of traffic from Mercer Street to St Stephen’s Green West.
A traffic lane is to be opened up in front of the Royal College of Surgeons to allow existing traffic from Glovers Alley to turn right and travel southbound on St Stephen’s Green West and enter York Street.
Existing bus routes, in particular those which use Westmoreland Street and Aston Quay, are to be revised. Some 30 Dublin Bus routes would be affected in addition to those operated by private operators.
Some taxi parking spaces in St Stephen’s Green North are to be relocated to St Stephen’s Green West, south of York Street.
The plan admits there will be significant traffic disruption in Ballymun during construction, but says there will be minimal disruption to traffic during the building of the underground section of Metro North at Dublin airport.
The Railway Procurement Agency told the inquiry the plan would be an “evolving one” and would respond to input from a Metro North Traffic Forum, which is to be set up. It will include representatives from the city council, Fingal County Council, Dublin Bus, An Garda, the Dublin Transportation Office, Bus Éireann, the Railway Procurement Agency and the contractors.
The committee is to meet fortnightly during construction to oversee arrangements.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sceptical view of wave power disputed
THE FINDINGS of a recently published report which forecast that wave energy would not develop significantly in Ireland “for at least a decade” due to investment difficulties and the “unproven nature” of the technology, have been challenged by a leading ocean energy developer.
The energy audit of Co Mayo by the Sustainability Institute, headed by former Green Party member Andy Wilson, said that investors were “pulling out of renewable energy projects, blaming the global recession and world energy prices”.
The audit suggested that biomass from existing forestry resources and biogas from waste and silage offered a more secure long-term alternative energy future as fossil fuels depleted.
The audit, the first of its type in Ireland, suggested that Mayo’s existing coniferous resource could be used up over a 20-year period. It points out that medium-term rotation coppicing of broad-leaved woodland over an eight to 20-year period is most promising and does not require large injections of outside funding.
However, the negative findings have been challenged at a marine energy conference in Washington where John McCarthy, chief executive of Ocean Energy Ltd, called on the Government to “fast track key development issues”. The State’s ocean energy development unit also needs “sufficient resources”.
Mr McCarthy, who heads one of several companies involved in the State’s research on wave energy, says he believes Ireland can still become the world leader in the sector, creating up to 20,000 jobs by 2020.
Mr McCarthy told the conference that the renewable power potential of the ocean energy sector was comparable with that of wind, which currently employs over 400,000 worldwide.
“Ireland has the potential to seize the initiative and become the world leader,” he said. “Germany, Spain and Denmark have cornered the jobs in wind industry with over 75 per cent of the sector’s jobs . . . They are the main manufacturers of wind turbines and it is this manufacturing which accounts for over 70 per cent of the jobs.
“The solution in our opinion is to develop ocean technology in Ireland where we have the resource, the research and development facilities, the people and the initiative to make it happen . . . While the Irish Government’s stated commitment to the ocean energy sector and its development plans are welcome, the industry needs to see some real headway made to back up the Government’s stated objectives of 75MW installed by 2012 and 500MW by 2020,” he said.
Development of ocean energy was a stated objective in the Government’s “smart economy” document published last December, and the sector would like to see these aspirations being implemented before other countries achieve “first mover” advantage, Mr McCarthy said.
“The potential economic opportunity has not been lost on the US either. President Barack Obama has already met American advocates of ocean energy,” he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The energy audit of Co Mayo by the Sustainability Institute, headed by former Green Party member Andy Wilson, said that investors were “pulling out of renewable energy projects, blaming the global recession and world energy prices”.
The audit suggested that biomass from existing forestry resources and biogas from waste and silage offered a more secure long-term alternative energy future as fossil fuels depleted.
The audit, the first of its type in Ireland, suggested that Mayo’s existing coniferous resource could be used up over a 20-year period. It points out that medium-term rotation coppicing of broad-leaved woodland over an eight to 20-year period is most promising and does not require large injections of outside funding.
However, the negative findings have been challenged at a marine energy conference in Washington where John McCarthy, chief executive of Ocean Energy Ltd, called on the Government to “fast track key development issues”. The State’s ocean energy development unit also needs “sufficient resources”.
Mr McCarthy, who heads one of several companies involved in the State’s research on wave energy, says he believes Ireland can still become the world leader in the sector, creating up to 20,000 jobs by 2020.
Mr McCarthy told the conference that the renewable power potential of the ocean energy sector was comparable with that of wind, which currently employs over 400,000 worldwide.
“Ireland has the potential to seize the initiative and become the world leader,” he said. “Germany, Spain and Denmark have cornered the jobs in wind industry with over 75 per cent of the sector’s jobs . . . They are the main manufacturers of wind turbines and it is this manufacturing which accounts for over 70 per cent of the jobs.
“The solution in our opinion is to develop ocean technology in Ireland where we have the resource, the research and development facilities, the people and the initiative to make it happen . . . While the Irish Government’s stated commitment to the ocean energy sector and its development plans are welcome, the industry needs to see some real headway made to back up the Government’s stated objectives of 75MW installed by 2012 and 500MW by 2020,” he said.
Development of ocean energy was a stated objective in the Government’s “smart economy” document published last December, and the sector would like to see these aspirations being implemented before other countries achieve “first mover” advantage, Mr McCarthy said.
“The potential economic opportunity has not been lost on the US either. President Barack Obama has already met American advocates of ocean energy,” he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 17 April 2009
Capital will become 'Mecca for pedestrians'
DUBLIN'S city centre is to become a mecca for pedestrians and cyclists by 2020 featuring an expanded boardwalk on both sides of the Liffey from Custom House Quay to Heuston Station, Dublin City Council was told yesterday.
Cars will effectively be banned from the city centre in favour of public transportation and orbital traffic routes that will allow greater access and safety to an estimated 400,000 people who are expected to stream into the city each day within the next decade, according to the City Centre Transportation Plan unveiled at the council's transportation committee meeting yesterday.
The plan is a blueprint for development over the next decade that will take into account the capital's current and projected growth, employment and transportation patterns.
"The increase in public transport patronage, in the number of people living in the city, in the number of jobs, cultural activities, education, retail and business all contribute to a demand for additional pedestrian space," according to the report by senior traffic engineer engineer Eoghan Madden yesterday.
Allison Bray
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Cars will effectively be banned from the city centre in favour of public transportation and orbital traffic routes that will allow greater access and safety to an estimated 400,000 people who are expected to stream into the city each day within the next decade, according to the City Centre Transportation Plan unveiled at the council's transportation committee meeting yesterday.
The plan is a blueprint for development over the next decade that will take into account the capital's current and projected growth, employment and transportation patterns.
"The increase in public transport patronage, in the number of people living in the city, in the number of jobs, cultural activities, education, retail and business all contribute to a demand for additional pedestrian space," according to the report by senior traffic engineer engineer Eoghan Madden yesterday.
Allison Bray
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Commuters face chaos if Metro gets green light
BUS lanes and streets will be closed, residential parking privileges removed and footpaths narrowed during construction of the Metro North light-rail project.
Yesterday, the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) outlined massive disruption in Dublin city if the 18km line linking St Stephen's Green with Belinstown, north of Swords, goes ahead.
Transport planner Ian Byrne said the bulk of the impact would be felt where stops were being constructed, particularly around St Stephen's Green, O'Connell Street and Parnell Square where road capacity would be reduced.
Further restrictions would apply through Ballymun, the Mater Hospital, Drumcondra, DCU and the Swords bypass.
"The nature and scale of Metro North is such that disruption generated by the construction works is inevitable. The construction of these stops requires large areas of road space to be removed for long periods of time which will constrain the movement available for all road users," he said.
But he said that while the proposed Bus Gate at College Green -- which will keep cars of Dame and Westmoreland streets -- would impact on motorists, it would give increased access to public transport users. The RPA expects traffic to be affected within a 2km zone either side of the track.
In all, 11km of tunnel will be constructed with 7km to run at ground level. Nine stops will be underground, and two million square metres of soil will be excavated and 800,000 cubic metres of concrete laid.
Bus lanes along the Malahide Road will be suspended while works are ongoing, and the road layout in Dublin Airport re-aligned. The Ballymun Road will be reduced to two lanes, with one lane for buses.
Irish Rail will host open forums for those along the route of the proposed DART underground line: Monday next, 5-8pm, at the Hilton Hotel in Inchicore; Thursday at the Central Hotel on Exchequer Street; and the following Monday and Thursday at the Sean O'Casey Community Centre in East Wall, and at the Alexander Hotel on Fenian Street.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Yesterday, the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) outlined massive disruption in Dublin city if the 18km line linking St Stephen's Green with Belinstown, north of Swords, goes ahead.
Transport planner Ian Byrne said the bulk of the impact would be felt where stops were being constructed, particularly around St Stephen's Green, O'Connell Street and Parnell Square where road capacity would be reduced.
Further restrictions would apply through Ballymun, the Mater Hospital, Drumcondra, DCU and the Swords bypass.
"The nature and scale of Metro North is such that disruption generated by the construction works is inevitable. The construction of these stops requires large areas of road space to be removed for long periods of time which will constrain the movement available for all road users," he said.
But he said that while the proposed Bus Gate at College Green -- which will keep cars of Dame and Westmoreland streets -- would impact on motorists, it would give increased access to public transport users. The RPA expects traffic to be affected within a 2km zone either side of the track.
In all, 11km of tunnel will be constructed with 7km to run at ground level. Nine stops will be underground, and two million square metres of soil will be excavated and 800,000 cubic metres of concrete laid.
Bus lanes along the Malahide Road will be suspended while works are ongoing, and the road layout in Dublin Airport re-aligned. The Ballymun Road will be reduced to two lanes, with one lane for buses.
Irish Rail will host open forums for those along the route of the proposed DART underground line: Monday next, 5-8pm, at the Hilton Hotel in Inchicore; Thursday at the Central Hotel on Exchequer Street; and the following Monday and Thursday at the Sean O'Casey Community Centre in East Wall, and at the Alexander Hotel on Fenian Street.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
West Cork planning protesters vow to repeat County Hall sit-in
PROTESTERS who staged a sit-in at Cork County Council headquarters last Monday have vowed to strike again if they don’t get firm commitments from councillors to make planning guidelines less restrictive in west Cork.
Around 300 people attended the protest at County Hall. Nearly 60 of them staged a sit-in at the council chamber, forcing the local authority to abandon a meeting for the first time in its history.
Despite county manager Martin Riordan offering them some assurances, protesters remain belligerent.
Representatives from the protest group are set to meet with the five county councillors from the Bantry electoral area tonight, where they will again discuss their claims that young people are finding it particularly difficult to get planning permission for one-off houses in rural areas.
Protest spokesman Finbarr Harrington said that if the councillors were unable to provide a commitment following tonight’s meeting at the Bantry Bay Hotel, his organisation would repeat last Monday’s sit-in.
"Unless we are given a guarantee that something is going to change we will do the same thing when the council meets again in a fortnight’s time.
"We want a commitment that they will relax the planning criteria," Mr Harrington said.
Protestors claims that planners are being too stringent and are effectively driving young people out of west Cork.
Mr Harrington gave five examples of this at Monday’s meeting.
In one case he claimed planners had refused permission because a house would be seen from the sea.
In another case, he said, planners had told a man he couldn’t build on one site on a farm, but could use another site, which was sandwiched between a milking parlour and silage pit.
The county manager said he would examine up to 100 rejections in the west Cork area if protesters wanted him to.
Mr Harrington said he would be taking up that offer.
He added that he also wanted assurances that further restrictions under the Special Scenic Landscapes directive wouldn’t be introduced "without full and proper consultations".
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Around 300 people attended the protest at County Hall. Nearly 60 of them staged a sit-in at the council chamber, forcing the local authority to abandon a meeting for the first time in its history.
Despite county manager Martin Riordan offering them some assurances, protesters remain belligerent.
Representatives from the protest group are set to meet with the five county councillors from the Bantry electoral area tonight, where they will again discuss their claims that young people are finding it particularly difficult to get planning permission for one-off houses in rural areas.
Protest spokesman Finbarr Harrington said that if the councillors were unable to provide a commitment following tonight’s meeting at the Bantry Bay Hotel, his organisation would repeat last Monday’s sit-in.
"Unless we are given a guarantee that something is going to change we will do the same thing when the council meets again in a fortnight’s time.
"We want a commitment that they will relax the planning criteria," Mr Harrington said.
Protestors claims that planners are being too stringent and are effectively driving young people out of west Cork.
Mr Harrington gave five examples of this at Monday’s meeting.
In one case he claimed planners had refused permission because a house would be seen from the sea.
In another case, he said, planners had told a man he couldn’t build on one site on a farm, but could use another site, which was sandwiched between a milking parlour and silage pit.
The county manager said he would examine up to 100 rejections in the west Cork area if protesters wanted him to.
Mr Harrington said he would be taking up that offer.
He added that he also wanted assurances that further restrictions under the Special Scenic Landscapes directive wouldn’t be introduced "without full and proper consultations".
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Planners reject developer's bid for 'country's tallest hotel'
PLANNING permission for what would have been the country's tallest hotel at 35 storeys has been refused because it is too high.
Its developers, Treasury Holdings, have also received three other planning setbacks in recent days while receiving approval for three Dublin office developments.
The refusals include a mixed-use development to include 270 apartments in Leopardstown, in south Dublin, a trade park in Balbriggan and an 11 storey office block at Spencer Dock.
The approvals include a €100m headquarters office building on Baggot Street in Dublin, as well as two office blocks in Leopardstown.
Its biggest disappointment arises from the refusal for its plans for an ambitious €300m hotel to serve the National Conference Centre in Dublin's North Docklands.
Unsuitable
Despite being described as being of "architectural excellence", Bord Pleanala ruled it out because its height and mass was unsuitable for the site at Spencer Dock, it said.
A number of parties, including businessman Dermot Desmond and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA), had objected to the hotel. Mr Desmond said the plan was "completely incongruous" and he warned against allowing "the desired financial return of any developer to be a valid planning consideration".
The project included 457-bedrooms, a fitness centre/spa including swimming pool, and was to be operated by the Ritz Carlton group.
Expressing disappointment at the refusal, a spokesperson for Treasury said that Dublin will be the only city in the world whose conference centre does not have a hotel connected to it., who added that "300 people would have been employed to build the five-star development and, when operational, the hotel would have created an additional 600 jobs" in Dublin city.
The Government is helping to finance the conference centre by a leasehold agreement.
Premature
Dublin City Council (DCC) has also refused permission for an 11 storey office development at Spencer Dock but the developer is appealing this refusal to Bord Pleanala. DCC explained that it rejected this as being premature because it is located close to a proposed interconnector rail link to Heuston Station and may affect the development of this important national infrastructural project.
Meanwhile Bord Pleanala explained that its refusal for the planned trade park on a site just off the M1 motorway near Balbriggan was due to the prospect that the park would operate as a retail warehouse outlet which would not be in keeping with the industrial zoning which applies to the 6.57-acre site and would detract from the viability of established town centres.
The Treasury spokesperson pointed out that the group had received 20 planning approvals since last summer and more recently it received approval for two new developments.
PAUL MELIA and DONAL BUCKLEY
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Its developers, Treasury Holdings, have also received three other planning setbacks in recent days while receiving approval for three Dublin office developments.
The refusals include a mixed-use development to include 270 apartments in Leopardstown, in south Dublin, a trade park in Balbriggan and an 11 storey office block at Spencer Dock.
The approvals include a €100m headquarters office building on Baggot Street in Dublin, as well as two office blocks in Leopardstown.
Its biggest disappointment arises from the refusal for its plans for an ambitious €300m hotel to serve the National Conference Centre in Dublin's North Docklands.
Unsuitable
Despite being described as being of "architectural excellence", Bord Pleanala ruled it out because its height and mass was unsuitable for the site at Spencer Dock, it said.
A number of parties, including businessman Dermot Desmond and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA), had objected to the hotel. Mr Desmond said the plan was "completely incongruous" and he warned against allowing "the desired financial return of any developer to be a valid planning consideration".
The project included 457-bedrooms, a fitness centre/spa including swimming pool, and was to be operated by the Ritz Carlton group.
Expressing disappointment at the refusal, a spokesperson for Treasury said that Dublin will be the only city in the world whose conference centre does not have a hotel connected to it., who added that "300 people would have been employed to build the five-star development and, when operational, the hotel would have created an additional 600 jobs" in Dublin city.
The Government is helping to finance the conference centre by a leasehold agreement.
Premature
Dublin City Council (DCC) has also refused permission for an 11 storey office development at Spencer Dock but the developer is appealing this refusal to Bord Pleanala. DCC explained that it rejected this as being premature because it is located close to a proposed interconnector rail link to Heuston Station and may affect the development of this important national infrastructural project.
Meanwhile Bord Pleanala explained that its refusal for the planned trade park on a site just off the M1 motorway near Balbriggan was due to the prospect that the park would operate as a retail warehouse outlet which would not be in keeping with the industrial zoning which applies to the 6.57-acre site and would detract from the viability of established town centres.
The Treasury spokesperson pointed out that the group had received 20 planning approvals since last summer and more recently it received approval for two new developments.
PAUL MELIA and DONAL BUCKLEY
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Work begins on demolition of docks 'eyesore'
Work has begun on the removal of the controversial giant oil tanks at Galway docks and close to the city centre.
The 60ft high tanks have long been regarded as an eyesore and there were fears that they would overshadow the Galway leg of the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race next month.
But under a deal hammered out between oil suppliers Topaz and Chevron and locally owned Edward Holdings, the preparatory work on the demolition of the tanks got under way last weekend.
Tinnelly Construction from Newry has been handed the task of cutting the metal from the tanks into sections using high-power hydraulic equipment. It is hoped to recycle the metal locally.
The removal job is expected to take up to three weeks, but the site will be fully cleared in time for the arrival of the hi-tech Volvo Ocean Race yachts on May 23.
The demolition does not require planning permission as it is exempt under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The space currently occupied by the tanks will be taken over by a massive tented village which will host the massive crowds expected to flood the Western capital for the Galway stopover which will continue until June 6.
Up to 150,000 visitors are expected to visit the port to view the race over the two weeks and the local economy is likely to benefit by €40m.
A packed programme of events has been scheduled to entertain the big crowds throughout the two-week stay in Galway.
BRIAN MCDONALD
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
The 60ft high tanks have long been regarded as an eyesore and there were fears that they would overshadow the Galway leg of the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race next month.
But under a deal hammered out between oil suppliers Topaz and Chevron and locally owned Edward Holdings, the preparatory work on the demolition of the tanks got under way last weekend.
Tinnelly Construction from Newry has been handed the task of cutting the metal from the tanks into sections using high-power hydraulic equipment. It is hoped to recycle the metal locally.
The removal job is expected to take up to three weeks, but the site will be fully cleared in time for the arrival of the hi-tech Volvo Ocean Race yachts on May 23.
The demolition does not require planning permission as it is exempt under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The space currently occupied by the tanks will be taken over by a massive tented village which will host the massive crowds expected to flood the Western capital for the Galway stopover which will continue until June 6.
Up to 150,000 visitors are expected to visit the port to view the race over the two weeks and the local economy is likely to benefit by €40m.
A packed programme of events has been scheduled to entertain the big crowds throughout the two-week stay in Galway.
BRIAN MCDONALD
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Social housing clawback ends
PEOPLE who buy affordable apartments in the Dublin Docklands will not have to pay back the local authority a portion of any profit they make reselling their homes.
Falling prices means some of the 'affordable' units are no longer cheaper than buying on the open market, and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) is to sell 75 units over the coming weeks, with 34 to be available without the clawback clause.
Affordable homes are for people on lower incomes and are sold at a discount to the market price.
If sold within 20 years the local authority receives a percentage of the sale price, but with falling property prices many are now comparable with buying on the open market.
Yesterday the DDDA said it was changing the conditions attached to affordable housing in the Docklands with ownership restrictions "abolished" for some apartments.
Open viewing days will be held next month, and homes will be offered to anyone on Dublin City Council's affordable housing list who registers before this Friday at www.ahome4u.ie.
"In these difficult times the DDDA is making every effort to ensure that qualified applicants can take advantage of our schemes and so have adjusted the conditions accordingly," chief executive Paul Maloney said.
"This forms part of our strategy to deliver 20pc social and affordable housing and encourage a vibrant community to take up residence in the area."
One, two and three-bedroom apartments are on offer in developments including Longboat Quay, Butler's Court, Hanover Quay, Forbes Quay, and newer developments, The Waterfront and Spencer Dock.
But the clawback restrictions will not apply to 20 homes available in Spencer Dock, 14 in The Waterfront in the Grand Canal Dock area and with some apartments in Longboat Quay and Butler's Court. Prices range from €210,000 to €295,000.
Meanwhile, the Circuit Civil Court has ruled that people who bought apartments in blocks run by a management company may now have complaints against the company regulated by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB).
Judge Jacqueline Linnane yesterday ruled that owners were tenants of a management company, and not excluded from the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
The ruling came after Gary Mallon, the owner of an apartment at Elmfield Court, Ninth Lock Road, Clondalkin in Dublin, was sued by S&L Management Company for allegedly not paying service charges.
Counsel for S&L said the relationship between the management company and the apartment owner was not that of landlord and tenant.
PAUL MELIA and RAY MANAGH
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Falling prices means some of the 'affordable' units are no longer cheaper than buying on the open market, and the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) is to sell 75 units over the coming weeks, with 34 to be available without the clawback clause.
Affordable homes are for people on lower incomes and are sold at a discount to the market price.
If sold within 20 years the local authority receives a percentage of the sale price, but with falling property prices many are now comparable with buying on the open market.
Yesterday the DDDA said it was changing the conditions attached to affordable housing in the Docklands with ownership restrictions "abolished" for some apartments.
Open viewing days will be held next month, and homes will be offered to anyone on Dublin City Council's affordable housing list who registers before this Friday at www.ahome4u.ie.
"In these difficult times the DDDA is making every effort to ensure that qualified applicants can take advantage of our schemes and so have adjusted the conditions accordingly," chief executive Paul Maloney said.
"This forms part of our strategy to deliver 20pc social and affordable housing and encourage a vibrant community to take up residence in the area."
One, two and three-bedroom apartments are on offer in developments including Longboat Quay, Butler's Court, Hanover Quay, Forbes Quay, and newer developments, The Waterfront and Spencer Dock.
But the clawback restrictions will not apply to 20 homes available in Spencer Dock, 14 in The Waterfront in the Grand Canal Dock area and with some apartments in Longboat Quay and Butler's Court. Prices range from €210,000 to €295,000.
Meanwhile, the Circuit Civil Court has ruled that people who bought apartments in blocks run by a management company may now have complaints against the company regulated by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB).
Judge Jacqueline Linnane yesterday ruled that owners were tenants of a management company, and not excluded from the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
The ruling came after Gary Mallon, the owner of an apartment at Elmfield Court, Ninth Lock Road, Clondalkin in Dublin, was sued by S&L Management Company for allegedly not paying service charges.
Counsel for S&L said the relationship between the management company and the apartment owner was not that of landlord and tenant.
PAUL MELIA and RAY MANAGH
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Revamp of Cork market area in doubt after funding cuts
THE revamp of a historic Cork city market area was among several projects in doubt last night after the Government slashed by almost half its funding for city roads.
City council officials received notification by fax yesterday that their 2009 roads budget — which had been estimated last December at e6.9 million — has been cut by e2.7m to just e4.2m.
Decisions on planned road projects made at the council’s budget meeting last December, when the figure was projected to be e6.9m, will have to be reviewed and prioritised.
The city’s regional traffic management fund has been slashed from e790,000 to e90,000.
But the biggest casualty is the e5m Cornmarket Street revamp. A e1m fund set aside this year to advance the project has been slashed to just e41,000.
It is understood that amount had to be sanctioned to cover the costs of design works carried out in recent months.
While city officials are still examining the implications of the overall cuts, several councillors expressed fears that the Cornmarket Street project will be axed.
A design by Spanish architect Beth Gali, who designed the revamped St Patrick’s Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, and Grand Parade, envisaged a new pedestrian-friendly open air market place with covered stalls.
But Fine Gael councillor John Buttimer described the project’s funding cut as a devastating blow to the city. "This is a huge blow to the vitality of the city and the stated aims of the city development plan," he said.
"The Cornmarket development had huge potential to add to the commercial, retail and entertainment venues in the city."
The cuts in roads funding will also affect footpath repairs, estate roads resurfacing and traffic surveys, assessments, bus routes, cycle routes and other measures to encourage people to use sustainable or public transport.
But Fianna Fáil Cllr Tim Brosnan said from his discussions with Coal Quay traders, he thinks they will welcome the fact that the project in its current form has stalled.
Despite the cutbacks, city officials gave assurances last night that a e500,000 upgrade of the St Luke’s junction on the north side of the city will go-ahead, with work due to start on April 20.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
City council officials received notification by fax yesterday that their 2009 roads budget — which had been estimated last December at e6.9 million — has been cut by e2.7m to just e4.2m.
Decisions on planned road projects made at the council’s budget meeting last December, when the figure was projected to be e6.9m, will have to be reviewed and prioritised.
The city’s regional traffic management fund has been slashed from e790,000 to e90,000.
But the biggest casualty is the e5m Cornmarket Street revamp. A e1m fund set aside this year to advance the project has been slashed to just e41,000.
It is understood that amount had to be sanctioned to cover the costs of design works carried out in recent months.
While city officials are still examining the implications of the overall cuts, several councillors expressed fears that the Cornmarket Street project will be axed.
A design by Spanish architect Beth Gali, who designed the revamped St Patrick’s Street, Oliver Plunkett Street, and Grand Parade, envisaged a new pedestrian-friendly open air market place with covered stalls.
But Fine Gael councillor John Buttimer described the project’s funding cut as a devastating blow to the city. "This is a huge blow to the vitality of the city and the stated aims of the city development plan," he said.
"The Cornmarket development had huge potential to add to the commercial, retail and entertainment venues in the city."
The cuts in roads funding will also affect footpath repairs, estate roads resurfacing and traffic surveys, assessments, bus routes, cycle routes and other measures to encourage people to use sustainable or public transport.
But Fianna Fáil Cllr Tim Brosnan said from his discussions with Coal Quay traders, he thinks they will welcome the fact that the project in its current form has stalled.
Despite the cutbacks, city officials gave assurances last night that a e500,000 upgrade of the St Luke’s junction on the north side of the city will go-ahead, with work due to start on April 20.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Private car use in Dublin city rises
The number of cars in Dublin city rose last year, according to figures from Dublin City Council.
The Canal Cordon Count, which monitors the number of vehicles crossing into the cordon formed by the Royal and Grand canals around the city during peak morning hours, found more private cars came into the city centre in 2008 than the previous year, representing rise of close to 0.4 per cent.
This is despite an increase in the number of buses during the same period.
However, over a 10-year period, the number of cars coming into the city fell. In 1998, more than 71,000 cars crossed the canal cordon, compared to almost 63,976 in 2008.
Cycling was also on the rise, with 8 per cent more people choosing to cycle in the peak morning hours in 2008 than a year earlier. This follows general upward trends in recent years, with a 30 per cent increase over the five year period 2003 to 2008, and a 34 per cent rise over the 10 years to 2008.
Dublin City Council cycling officer, Ciarán Fallon, welcomed the rise in the number of those cycling in the city during morning peak hours.
"We have a lot of work to do to improve cycling conditions in the city but these numbers are encouraging," he said.
"Over a third of commuting journeys into the canal cordon area are less than 5km long. Most people can cover this distance by bike in about 20 minutes. There is great potential to grow walking and cycling numbers in Dublin City in the coming years."
Mr Fallon said the increase in people cycling could be attributed to the reduction in the number of heavy goods vehicles in the city centre.
Since the introduction of a ban on some heavy goods vehicles in the city centre, the number of commercial vehicles crossing the canal cordon during morning peak hours has fallen 54 per cent between 2003 and 2008.
The number of pedestrians crossing into the city centre fell 1 per cent on last year's figures.
Between 2003 and 2008, Dublin Bus accounted for a daily average of 80 per cent of the buses that crossed into the city centre. During that time, the number of buses from the company rose 17 per cent, while independently operated services rose 13 per cent.
In the 12-month period to 2008, 11 per cent more Dublin Bus vehicles were recorded in the city centre, but independent services fell 17 per cent.
Fine Gael Seanad transport spokesman Senator Paschal Donohoe said the Government’s attempts at encouraging public transport use had "clearly failed".
"The city is now grinding to a halt, with further chaos likely if the bus strike goes ahead. Traffic congestion is
strangling the city’s commercial and social life. Congestion is costing Dublin’s businesses at least €650 million a year," he said.
“We need simple and effective steps to get the city moving again in the short term, especially if work on Metro North gets underway."
He called for new bus routes to be opened up in areas with growing populations, the extension of the city's co-ordinated traffic light system and the roll-out of the live information system for Dublin Bus.
He also suggested that the new Dublin transport authority should be fast-tracked to allow for centralised planning and traffic management.
“As a city already suffering from serious congestion, Dublin simply cannot afford for further rises in car use," Mr Donohoe said.
Green Party transport spokesman Ciarán Cuffe said the increase in cyclist numbers was welcome, but said radical reform of bus services and traffic management in Dublin city was needed.
"The next step must be the creation of a network of safe cycle routes all across the city. Many people are afraid to cycle in traffic because of the fear of being struck by a lorry or car. I also want the gardaí to apply more
resources to enforcing the speed limits, as speeding cars are a danger to vulnerable road users," he said.
Mr Cuffe called on Fine Gael to support the proposals for the provision of a bus gate at College Green
Dublin city councillors are due to vote on the plan, will create a public-transport-only route from Dame Street across College Green to Westmoreland Street, with restrictions for traffic coming from D’Olier Street around College Green and into Dame Street.
"Fine Gael cannot call for improvements in public transport while their own councillors oppose the bus gate proposal," he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The Canal Cordon Count, which monitors the number of vehicles crossing into the cordon formed by the Royal and Grand canals around the city during peak morning hours, found more private cars came into the city centre in 2008 than the previous year, representing rise of close to 0.4 per cent.
This is despite an increase in the number of buses during the same period.
However, over a 10-year period, the number of cars coming into the city fell. In 1998, more than 71,000 cars crossed the canal cordon, compared to almost 63,976 in 2008.
Cycling was also on the rise, with 8 per cent more people choosing to cycle in the peak morning hours in 2008 than a year earlier. This follows general upward trends in recent years, with a 30 per cent increase over the five year period 2003 to 2008, and a 34 per cent rise over the 10 years to 2008.
Dublin City Council cycling officer, Ciarán Fallon, welcomed the rise in the number of those cycling in the city during morning peak hours.
"We have a lot of work to do to improve cycling conditions in the city but these numbers are encouraging," he said.
"Over a third of commuting journeys into the canal cordon area are less than 5km long. Most people can cover this distance by bike in about 20 minutes. There is great potential to grow walking and cycling numbers in Dublin City in the coming years."
Mr Fallon said the increase in people cycling could be attributed to the reduction in the number of heavy goods vehicles in the city centre.
Since the introduction of a ban on some heavy goods vehicles in the city centre, the number of commercial vehicles crossing the canal cordon during morning peak hours has fallen 54 per cent between 2003 and 2008.
The number of pedestrians crossing into the city centre fell 1 per cent on last year's figures.
Between 2003 and 2008, Dublin Bus accounted for a daily average of 80 per cent of the buses that crossed into the city centre. During that time, the number of buses from the company rose 17 per cent, while independently operated services rose 13 per cent.
In the 12-month period to 2008, 11 per cent more Dublin Bus vehicles were recorded in the city centre, but independent services fell 17 per cent.
Fine Gael Seanad transport spokesman Senator Paschal Donohoe said the Government’s attempts at encouraging public transport use had "clearly failed".
"The city is now grinding to a halt, with further chaos likely if the bus strike goes ahead. Traffic congestion is
strangling the city’s commercial and social life. Congestion is costing Dublin’s businesses at least €650 million a year," he said.
“We need simple and effective steps to get the city moving again in the short term, especially if work on Metro North gets underway."
He called for new bus routes to be opened up in areas with growing populations, the extension of the city's co-ordinated traffic light system and the roll-out of the live information system for Dublin Bus.
He also suggested that the new Dublin transport authority should be fast-tracked to allow for centralised planning and traffic management.
“As a city already suffering from serious congestion, Dublin simply cannot afford for further rises in car use," Mr Donohoe said.
Green Party transport spokesman Ciarán Cuffe said the increase in cyclist numbers was welcome, but said radical reform of bus services and traffic management in Dublin city was needed.
"The next step must be the creation of a network of safe cycle routes all across the city. Many people are afraid to cycle in traffic because of the fear of being struck by a lorry or car. I also want the gardaí to apply more
resources to enforcing the speed limits, as speeding cars are a danger to vulnerable road users," he said.
Mr Cuffe called on Fine Gael to support the proposals for the provision of a bus gate at College Green
Dublin city councillors are due to vote on the plan, will create a public-transport-only route from Dame Street across College Green to Westmoreland Street, with restrictions for traffic coming from D’Olier Street around College Green and into Dame Street.
"Fine Gael cannot call for improvements in public transport while their own councillors oppose the bus gate proposal," he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Bord says no to plan for listed Georgian
AN BORD Pleanála has blocked housebuilders Sheelin McSharry from converting Bushy Park House at Templeogue Road in Terenure, D6W into 14 apartments.
The board also refused to allow the basement of the listed building to be put into residential use rather than education/science and technology as allowed in a previous planning application.
The substantial Georgian house, previously a convent, is the centrepiece of extensive grounds where Sheelin McSharry has built 270 apartments and 18 houses over the past decade. Most of the units made top prices in the area.
Last July South Dublin County Council granted planning permission for the conversion of the house, subject to 20 conditions. The consent was appealed by a group of residents.
The appeals board said the 18th century house was of regional importance and of artistic and architectural interest.
The proposed development would detract, to an unacceptable degree, from the architectural integrity of the internal layout and it would entail the subdivision of several of its most important rooms.
The development would also lead to excessive fragmentation of the ownership of the house and would render highly improbable the reversibility of the proposed interventions.
The board also reported that the planned apartments in the basement extension would have a poor outlook and levels of natural light, and the areas of private open space would be heavily overlooked. This would result in a sub-standard form of development.
The board inspector had recommended rejection of the plan for the house, noting that architecturally important fireplaces “would face, meaninglessly, at a short distance towards partition walls”. He also complained that there would be no attempt to restore the original floor-to-ceiling heights on the front west side of the house.
Sheelin McSharry argued that the best method for conserving a historical building was to keep it in active use.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The board also refused to allow the basement of the listed building to be put into residential use rather than education/science and technology as allowed in a previous planning application.
The substantial Georgian house, previously a convent, is the centrepiece of extensive grounds where Sheelin McSharry has built 270 apartments and 18 houses over the past decade. Most of the units made top prices in the area.
Last July South Dublin County Council granted planning permission for the conversion of the house, subject to 20 conditions. The consent was appealed by a group of residents.
The appeals board said the 18th century house was of regional importance and of artistic and architectural interest.
The proposed development would detract, to an unacceptable degree, from the architectural integrity of the internal layout and it would entail the subdivision of several of its most important rooms.
The development would also lead to excessive fragmentation of the ownership of the house and would render highly improbable the reversibility of the proposed interventions.
The board also reported that the planned apartments in the basement extension would have a poor outlook and levels of natural light, and the areas of private open space would be heavily overlooked. This would result in a sub-standard form of development.
The board inspector had recommended rejection of the plan for the house, noting that architecturally important fireplaces “would face, meaninglessly, at a short distance towards partition walls”. He also complained that there would be no attempt to restore the original floor-to-ceiling heights on the front west side of the house.
Sheelin McSharry argued that the best method for conserving a historical building was to keep it in active use.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Major Leopardstown apartment scheme rejected on appeal
PLANS FOR a major apartment development in Central Park at Leopardstown Road, Dublin 18, have been turned down by An Bord Pleanála.
Clyde Road Partnership, a consortium headed by the financier Derek Quinlan, had appealed against the refusal of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to grant permission for 273 apartments, three retail units, a crèche and leisure centre on the land at Rocklands.
The homes were to be in six blocks ranging from eight to 22 storeys plus two podium levels for retail use. Two basement levels were to provide parking for 343 cars.
The board said that the development – by reason of its design, height, scale and the abrupt transition between the buildings, the M50 and the adjoining lands of Leopardstown Park Hospital – would be visually obstructive and seriously injure the visual amenities of residential areas to the south-west.
It would also be visually obtrusive and overbearing when viewed from the grounds of the school and would result in overshadowing of the school grounds and buildings.
The board also complained that because of the proposed project’s height, excessive density and layout, the development would cause overshadowing and adverse wind impacts, and it would also result in a poor quality and inadequate provision of private and public space.
It would, therefore, fail to provide an acceptable residential environment for future occupiers and be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Another reason advanced by the board was that the extra road traffic likely to result from the development and other prospective developments could not be facilitated on the road network.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Clyde Road Partnership, a consortium headed by the financier Derek Quinlan, had appealed against the refusal of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to grant permission for 273 apartments, three retail units, a crèche and leisure centre on the land at Rocklands.
The homes were to be in six blocks ranging from eight to 22 storeys plus two podium levels for retail use. Two basement levels were to provide parking for 343 cars.
The board said that the development – by reason of its design, height, scale and the abrupt transition between the buildings, the M50 and the adjoining lands of Leopardstown Park Hospital – would be visually obstructive and seriously injure the visual amenities of residential areas to the south-west.
It would also be visually obtrusive and overbearing when viewed from the grounds of the school and would result in overshadowing of the school grounds and buildings.
The board also complained that because of the proposed project’s height, excessive density and layout, the development would cause overshadowing and adverse wind impacts, and it would also result in a poor quality and inadequate provision of private and public space.
It would, therefore, fail to provide an acceptable residential environment for future occupiers and be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
Another reason advanced by the board was that the extra road traffic likely to result from the development and other prospective developments could not be facilitated on the road network.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Point shopping centre to go ahead
A MARKETING campaign aimed at leading retailers is to be held next month to launch a new shopping centre at the former Point Depot in the Dublin docklands.
The project is now expected to proceed following the resolution of a dispute between the promoter, Harry Crosbie, and Dunnes Stores, the anchor tenant for the development which forms part of O2 venue close to the planned Point Village square.
Mr Crosbie said Dunnes Stores had now paid €28.8 million towards the acquisition of their store and he looked forward to working with them to make the shopping complex a major attraction in the city.
The High Court was told that Dunnes Stores originally agreed to pay €46 million for the main store in the centre which will have 23,225sq m (250,000sq ft) of shopping on two levels.
Larry Brennan of letting agent Savills said there were already strong enquiries from a mixture of traders for the 40 shop units in the centre which is due to open for business in the autumn of 2010.
The centre will not only cater for the expected increase in population of 25,000 in the docklands itself but also for the suburbs of Clontarf and Fairview on the northside and Sandymount and Ringsend on the southside of the city.
A multiplex cinema will be located over the shopping centre as part of the €850 million complex which will also include offices, a hotel, apartments and a central square – to be known as Dublin’s Parlour – which will be used for a range of public events, including free open-air concerts,giant screen and Ireland’s largest ‘country’ market.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The project is now expected to proceed following the resolution of a dispute between the promoter, Harry Crosbie, and Dunnes Stores, the anchor tenant for the development which forms part of O2 venue close to the planned Point Village square.
Mr Crosbie said Dunnes Stores had now paid €28.8 million towards the acquisition of their store and he looked forward to working with them to make the shopping complex a major attraction in the city.
The High Court was told that Dunnes Stores originally agreed to pay €46 million for the main store in the centre which will have 23,225sq m (250,000sq ft) of shopping on two levels.
Larry Brennan of letting agent Savills said there were already strong enquiries from a mixture of traders for the 40 shop units in the centre which is due to open for business in the autumn of 2010.
The centre will not only cater for the expected increase in population of 25,000 in the docklands itself but also for the suburbs of Clontarf and Fairview on the northside and Sandymount and Ringsend on the southside of the city.
A multiplex cinema will be located over the shopping centre as part of the €850 million complex which will also include offices, a hotel, apartments and a central square – to be known as Dublin’s Parlour – which will be used for a range of public events, including free open-air concerts,giant screen and Ireland’s largest ‘country’ market.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Rules eased on affordable housing in Docklands
FALLING PROPERTY prices have forced the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) to significantly alter the ownership conditions of their affordable housing scheme.
The authority yesterday announced that 40 apartments built under the affordable scheme would be available to buy under the same conditions as any property sold on the open market.
This means that buyers can later sell the property without any penalty.
Usually buyers of affordable properties have to pay a “claw-back” to the authority of the percentage of discount they received, if they sell their house within 20 years.
These new conditions apply to properties which have prices only marginally below the open market value.
“These are no longer sufficiently attractive to purchasers who could otherwise buy on the open market without restrictions,” the authority said in a statement.
However the authority has not reduced the price of the affordable apartments, only the conditions under which they are purchased.
The properties will be on offer to qualified applicants on Dublin City Council’s affordable housing list rather than to the general public.
Among the 40 units are 20 apartments in Spencer Dock in the north Docklands, while in the south Docklands, it includes 14 apartments in The Waterfront and some apartments in Longboat Quay and Butler’s Court.
Depending on the location, prices range from €210,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to €295,000 for a three-bedroom apartment.
“In these difficult times, the Docklands Authority is making every effort to ensure that qualified applicants can take advantage of our schemes and so have adjusted the conditions accordingly,” said the authority’s chief executive, Paul Moloney.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley recently gave local authorities permission to sell affordable houses on the open market to get rid of a backlog of thousands of unsold houses which are costing councils millions in bridging loans and fees.
A further 35 affordable units in the Docklands will still retain the “claw-back” provision because of a significant difference with the market price.
A two-bedroom apartment in Forbes Quay in the south Docklands is €90,000 less than the current market value, the authority said.
The authority aims to have 20 per cent social and affordable housing in the Docklands area.
Since 1997, almost half of the 773 social and affordable units certified have been completed. The authority still plans to complete the rest of these units, a spokeswoman said.
The authority is holding an open day for the 75 affordable apartments on May 7th, 9th and 10th.
Sales are open to anyone on the council’s affordable housing list who registers interest in the apartments by April 17th.
Further information is available on www.ahome4u.ie
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The authority yesterday announced that 40 apartments built under the affordable scheme would be available to buy under the same conditions as any property sold on the open market.
This means that buyers can later sell the property without any penalty.
Usually buyers of affordable properties have to pay a “claw-back” to the authority of the percentage of discount they received, if they sell their house within 20 years.
These new conditions apply to properties which have prices only marginally below the open market value.
“These are no longer sufficiently attractive to purchasers who could otherwise buy on the open market without restrictions,” the authority said in a statement.
However the authority has not reduced the price of the affordable apartments, only the conditions under which they are purchased.
The properties will be on offer to qualified applicants on Dublin City Council’s affordable housing list rather than to the general public.
Among the 40 units are 20 apartments in Spencer Dock in the north Docklands, while in the south Docklands, it includes 14 apartments in The Waterfront and some apartments in Longboat Quay and Butler’s Court.
Depending on the location, prices range from €210,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to €295,000 for a three-bedroom apartment.
“In these difficult times, the Docklands Authority is making every effort to ensure that qualified applicants can take advantage of our schemes and so have adjusted the conditions accordingly,” said the authority’s chief executive, Paul Moloney.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley recently gave local authorities permission to sell affordable houses on the open market to get rid of a backlog of thousands of unsold houses which are costing councils millions in bridging loans and fees.
A further 35 affordable units in the Docklands will still retain the “claw-back” provision because of a significant difference with the market price.
A two-bedroom apartment in Forbes Quay in the south Docklands is €90,000 less than the current market value, the authority said.
The authority aims to have 20 per cent social and affordable housing in the Docklands area.
Since 1997, almost half of the 773 social and affordable units certified have been completed. The authority still plans to complete the rest of these units, a spokeswoman said.
The authority is holding an open day for the 75 affordable apartments on May 7th, 9th and 10th.
Sales are open to anyone on the council’s affordable housing list who registers interest in the apartments by April 17th.
Further information is available on www.ahome4u.ie
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Protesters furious over scenic area proposals
PLANS TO restrict development on the west Cork peninsulas led to the adjournment of a meeting of Cork County Council yesterday after protesters occupied councillors’ seats.
About 200 local residents protested at the County Hall, where the meeting was to be held, to highlight concerns over the proposed designation of coastal regions of west Cork as “scenic landscape”.
The residents say this would eliminate their chances of obtaining planning permission for rural dwellings.
However, Cork County Council says this is incorrect and that the planned new restrictions are less stringent than those already in place.
The protest was led by a group called the “special scenic committee”, which is seeking a written commitment from the county council that no lands will be designated “scenic landscape” until a consultation process with locals has taken place.
The areas affected include all three west Cork peninsulas, Sheep’s Head, Mizen and Beara and all areas west of a line linking Bantry to Skibbereen.
West Cork residents who undertook journeys of up to 2½ hours gathered outside the hall from 10am yesterday, before moving inside to observe a council meeting scheduled to take place.
Protesters filled the council chamber and occupied councillors’ seats prompting the council to adjourn the meeting until April 28th.
In its place, an unofficial discussion forum was held, during which the secretary of the special scenic committee, Finbarr Harrington, posed a number of questions to councillors to ascertain the exact meaning of the language used by planners, including “scenic route”, “sustainable development” and “suitable site”.
“We asked to meet the planners, that’s why we are here. People are frustrated and sick and tired of waiting. We are asking these questions now but ye can’t answer them,” Mr Harrington said.
“We want an immediate commitment from Cork County Council that no land in west Cork will be designated ‘scenic landscape’ without a full and proper discussion with stakeholders.
“And we are seeking an immediate review of planning policies in west Cork. We just want a fair deal for our communities and for our children,” he said.
The committee says that in one case a couple with two children had spent upwards of €20,000 in repeated efforts to obtain planning permission on a two-acre site in Glengarriff over the past six years. In another case, it says, planners refused permission for a dwelling near Schull “by reason of its elevated location when viewed from the sea”.
One couple in their 20s had secured outline planning permission for a house between Schull and Ballydehob, but that decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce. “They say that because there are already houses in the area that are vacant, it would make more sense to buy than build. But this just shows how unfair the system is,” said the 25-year-old woman involved in the application, who did not wish to be named. “There are so many holiday homes, some of them big extravagant structures, but we can’t get planning permission, when we are both from the area and this will be our first home together. The average price for a site is €100,000, it costs a couple of thousand every time you apply for planning, and in the meantime we have to rent,” she said.
Fianna Fáil Cork South-West TD Christy O’Sullivan said no one wanted to see areas of natural beauty destroyed, but planners needed to recognise that without planning permission young people will leave the area.
Goleen-based Fine Gael councillor Dermot Sheehan said he was happy with the outcome of yesterday’s protest. “The show of solidarity and strength here verifies the seriousness of the situation,” he said.
Cork county manager Martin Riordan said the adjournment was “unnecessary and unfortunate”.
“The county development plan was adopted in December and came into effect in February, with the direction that the special scenic landscape proposal be taken out of the plan,” he said.
Mr Riordan said the scenic landscape proposal would have relaxed existing planning restrictions.
“We were trying to change the focus, so instead of having pockets of scenic landscapes with very tight restrictions, you would have a wider area covered under less stringent restrictions where those seeking planning permission would have to explain how the development can be integrated into the landscape, rather than having to prove residency of more than seven years and the need for housing, which is the current requirement,” he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
About 200 local residents protested at the County Hall, where the meeting was to be held, to highlight concerns over the proposed designation of coastal regions of west Cork as “scenic landscape”.
The residents say this would eliminate their chances of obtaining planning permission for rural dwellings.
However, Cork County Council says this is incorrect and that the planned new restrictions are less stringent than those already in place.
The protest was led by a group called the “special scenic committee”, which is seeking a written commitment from the county council that no lands will be designated “scenic landscape” until a consultation process with locals has taken place.
The areas affected include all three west Cork peninsulas, Sheep’s Head, Mizen and Beara and all areas west of a line linking Bantry to Skibbereen.
West Cork residents who undertook journeys of up to 2½ hours gathered outside the hall from 10am yesterday, before moving inside to observe a council meeting scheduled to take place.
Protesters filled the council chamber and occupied councillors’ seats prompting the council to adjourn the meeting until April 28th.
In its place, an unofficial discussion forum was held, during which the secretary of the special scenic committee, Finbarr Harrington, posed a number of questions to councillors to ascertain the exact meaning of the language used by planners, including “scenic route”, “sustainable development” and “suitable site”.
“We asked to meet the planners, that’s why we are here. People are frustrated and sick and tired of waiting. We are asking these questions now but ye can’t answer them,” Mr Harrington said.
“We want an immediate commitment from Cork County Council that no land in west Cork will be designated ‘scenic landscape’ without a full and proper discussion with stakeholders.
“And we are seeking an immediate review of planning policies in west Cork. We just want a fair deal for our communities and for our children,” he said.
The committee says that in one case a couple with two children had spent upwards of €20,000 in repeated efforts to obtain planning permission on a two-acre site in Glengarriff over the past six years. In another case, it says, planners refused permission for a dwelling near Schull “by reason of its elevated location when viewed from the sea”.
One couple in their 20s had secured outline planning permission for a house between Schull and Ballydehob, but that decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce. “They say that because there are already houses in the area that are vacant, it would make more sense to buy than build. But this just shows how unfair the system is,” said the 25-year-old woman involved in the application, who did not wish to be named. “There are so many holiday homes, some of them big extravagant structures, but we can’t get planning permission, when we are both from the area and this will be our first home together. The average price for a site is €100,000, it costs a couple of thousand every time you apply for planning, and in the meantime we have to rent,” she said.
Fianna Fáil Cork South-West TD Christy O’Sullivan said no one wanted to see areas of natural beauty destroyed, but planners needed to recognise that without planning permission young people will leave the area.
Goleen-based Fine Gael councillor Dermot Sheehan said he was happy with the outcome of yesterday’s protest. “The show of solidarity and strength here verifies the seriousness of the situation,” he said.
Cork county manager Martin Riordan said the adjournment was “unnecessary and unfortunate”.
“The county development plan was adopted in December and came into effect in February, with the direction that the special scenic landscape proposal be taken out of the plan,” he said.
Mr Riordan said the scenic landscape proposal would have relaxed existing planning restrictions.
“We were trying to change the focus, so instead of having pockets of scenic landscapes with very tight restrictions, you would have a wider area covered under less stringent restrictions where those seeking planning permission would have to explain how the development can be integrated into the landscape, rather than having to prove residency of more than seven years and the need for housing, which is the current requirement,” he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Plan to reduce speed limit to 30km/h throughout most of Dublin city centre
DUBLIN CITY Council plans to reduce speed limits to 30km/h throughout most of the city centre, including O’Connell Street and the Liffey quays, to make the city safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
The council lowered speed limits around most of the shopping and central business areas of the city from 50km/h to 30km/h in 2006, but was unable to reduce the speed on O’Connell Street, the quays, and from D’Olier Street to Christchurch because they are national primary roads.
Unlike the rest of the streets in the city centre, the national primary network is controlled not by the city council but by the National Roads Authority (NRA).
To change the speed limits, the council would have had to have these roads delisted from the network, a move the NRA was reluctant to make.
However, amendments to the speed limit legislation made by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey last December allow special speed limits to be introduced by local authorities on sections of national roads, subject to the consent of the NRA.
The council is to write to the NRA asking it to allow special speed limits to be placed on the sections of the primary network that pass through the central core of the city.
These are: the N1 (O’Connell Street); the N4 (North and South Quays between Fr Matthew Bridge and Butt Bridge); the N11 (D’Olier Street, College Street, College Green, Westmoreland Street, Grafton Street, Suffolk Street, Church Lane, Dame Street); and the N81 (Christchurch Place, Lord Edward Street, Cork Hill, Dame Street).
The changes will mean that the entire city area from Parnell Street in the north to St Stephen’s Green in the south and stretching as far as Church Street in the west and Gardiner Street in the east will have a maximum speed limit of 30km/h at all times of the day and night.
The council’s traffic engineers said the speed limit change would result in a significant reduction in road fatalities and serious injuries, without significantly slowing travel times for motorists.
Some 5 per cent of pedestrians hit by cars travelling at just over 30km/h are killed. At just under 50km/h, fatalities increase to 45 per cent.
“There are high pedestrian volumes in this area throughout the day and at night and very significant pedestrian crossing movements,” council senior engineer Ronan O’Dea said.
The new speed limits would also significantly improve the traffic environment for cyclists in the city centre, he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The council lowered speed limits around most of the shopping and central business areas of the city from 50km/h to 30km/h in 2006, but was unable to reduce the speed on O’Connell Street, the quays, and from D’Olier Street to Christchurch because they are national primary roads.
Unlike the rest of the streets in the city centre, the national primary network is controlled not by the city council but by the National Roads Authority (NRA).
To change the speed limits, the council would have had to have these roads delisted from the network, a move the NRA was reluctant to make.
However, amendments to the speed limit legislation made by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey last December allow special speed limits to be introduced by local authorities on sections of national roads, subject to the consent of the NRA.
The council is to write to the NRA asking it to allow special speed limits to be placed on the sections of the primary network that pass through the central core of the city.
These are: the N1 (O’Connell Street); the N4 (North and South Quays between Fr Matthew Bridge and Butt Bridge); the N11 (D’Olier Street, College Street, College Green, Westmoreland Street, Grafton Street, Suffolk Street, Church Lane, Dame Street); and the N81 (Christchurch Place, Lord Edward Street, Cork Hill, Dame Street).
The changes will mean that the entire city area from Parnell Street in the north to St Stephen’s Green in the south and stretching as far as Church Street in the west and Gardiner Street in the east will have a maximum speed limit of 30km/h at all times of the day and night.
The council’s traffic engineers said the speed limit change would result in a significant reduction in road fatalities and serious injuries, without significantly slowing travel times for motorists.
Some 5 per cent of pedestrians hit by cars travelling at just over 30km/h are killed. At just under 50km/h, fatalities increase to 45 per cent.
“There are high pedestrian volumes in this area throughout the day and at night and very significant pedestrian crossing movements,” council senior engineer Ronan O’Dea said.
The new speed limits would also significantly improve the traffic environment for cyclists in the city centre, he said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Kelleher wants to build 1,000 homes next to Adamstown
Garrett Kelleher, the Irish developer behind the Chicago Spire tower, is to seek planning permission for a €175m housing development in west Dublin. Kelleher's Shelbourne Developments is planning to build nearly 1,000 homes on a 48.2-acre site next to Adamstown train station near Lucan.
Kelleher is also planning to develop more than 6,000 sq m of commercial space, more than 2,500 sq m of shops, a crèche and a community building. Nearly 1,500 parking spaces are also planned for the 983 residential units, which are a mix of apartments and houses.
The land forms part of the Clonburris Eco District which envisages the development of up to 16,000 houses and a major shopping centre on land owned by O'Callaghan Properties, Treasury Holdings, Liam Carroll, Shelbourne and South Dublin County Council.
Kelleher is in talks with trade unions in the United States who are interested in investing in the Spire, which will be the tallest residential building in the world if and when it is completed. The unions are interested in financing the development because of the number of jobs the building's construction will create. It is not known if they want to take an equity stake in the project or just provide loan facilities.
Anglo Irish Bank provided finance for some of the work completed so far, meaning that the loan may end up in the proposed National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) as the Department of Finance has already stated that loans for "works in progress arrangements" will be transferred to NAMA's loan book.
Shelbourne is involved in a joint venture with the Office of Public Works which is planning to redevelop a number of buildings on Tara Street. It bought the Long Stone pub on Townsend Street last year as part of that landbanking. Kelleher is also involved in a plan to buy up the Mespil flats in Ballsbridge and is planning a retail and office block on the site of the former RSA headquarters on Dawson Street, planning for which will be sought shortly.
Other assets include office blocks on St Stephen's Green, a number of buildings in and around O'Connell Street and properties in Chicago, Belgium and France. He also owns St Patrick's Athletic football club.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Kelleher is also planning to develop more than 6,000 sq m of commercial space, more than 2,500 sq m of shops, a crèche and a community building. Nearly 1,500 parking spaces are also planned for the 983 residential units, which are a mix of apartments and houses.
The land forms part of the Clonburris Eco District which envisages the development of up to 16,000 houses and a major shopping centre on land owned by O'Callaghan Properties, Treasury Holdings, Liam Carroll, Shelbourne and South Dublin County Council.
Kelleher is in talks with trade unions in the United States who are interested in investing in the Spire, which will be the tallest residential building in the world if and when it is completed. The unions are interested in financing the development because of the number of jobs the building's construction will create. It is not known if they want to take an equity stake in the project or just provide loan facilities.
Anglo Irish Bank provided finance for some of the work completed so far, meaning that the loan may end up in the proposed National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) as the Department of Finance has already stated that loans for "works in progress arrangements" will be transferred to NAMA's loan book.
Shelbourne is involved in a joint venture with the Office of Public Works which is planning to redevelop a number of buildings on Tara Street. It bought the Long Stone pub on Townsend Street last year as part of that landbanking. Kelleher is also involved in a plan to buy up the Mespil flats in Ballsbridge and is planning a retail and office block on the site of the former RSA headquarters on Dawson Street, planning for which will be sought shortly.
Other assets include office blocks on St Stephen's Green, a number of buildings in and around O'Connell Street and properties in Chicago, Belgium and France. He also owns St Patrick's Athletic football club.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Gormley objects to Connemara house because of heather
A woman's dream of returning to settle in her native Connemara is under threat after the Department of the Environment objected to granting planning permission on the grounds it would disturb an EU-protected species of heather.
Nora Griffin, a native of Ballyconneely in west Connemara, and her husband have spent €15,000 over the last four years applying to Galway County Council for planning permission to build a house in the area.
The council finally granted permission on Griffin's third application attempt last October.
However, the heritage section of the Department of the Environment then objected in December as the house was on a special area of conservation (SAC) dominated by the 'European Dry Heaths' – protected by an EU habitats directive.
"This is beyond belief but has happened before in west Connemara" said Eileen Mannion, Fine Gael local election candidate.
Mannion has called on minister John Gormley to withdraw or amend his objection and has also written to gaeltacht minister Eamon O Cuiv asking him to raise the matter with his cabinet colleague.
Griffin emigrated to Australia in 1969 and later moved to Scotland. Four years ago, she and her husband sold their house in Scotland to return home attracted by the council's offer to grant planning permission to returning natives.
Griffin satisfied all the council's controversial requirements for the scheme in that she was born and brought up the area and the house will be the couple's main residence.
"This is a matter of huge controversy locally in Connemara. Connemara people feel that a widespread heather such as the "European Dry Heather", to be found in tens of thousands of acres on the Ballyconneely Peninsula, should not enjoy a status superior to that of an applicant with an essential housing need," said Mannion.
Griffin's site is just across the road from a house owned by the wife of District Court Judge Donnachadh O'Buachalla who uses it primarily as a holiday home. Planning permission to build the four-bedroom house was given to a local woman who then sold it to O'Buachalla's wife.
A spokesman for minister Gormley said he would not comment on individual planning issues. He added that the department has a statutory obligation to protect the natural and built environment and can make observations on plans based on expert advice.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Nora Griffin, a native of Ballyconneely in west Connemara, and her husband have spent €15,000 over the last four years applying to Galway County Council for planning permission to build a house in the area.
The council finally granted permission on Griffin's third application attempt last October.
However, the heritage section of the Department of the Environment then objected in December as the house was on a special area of conservation (SAC) dominated by the 'European Dry Heaths' – protected by an EU habitats directive.
"This is beyond belief but has happened before in west Connemara" said Eileen Mannion, Fine Gael local election candidate.
Mannion has called on minister John Gormley to withdraw or amend his objection and has also written to gaeltacht minister Eamon O Cuiv asking him to raise the matter with his cabinet colleague.
Griffin emigrated to Australia in 1969 and later moved to Scotland. Four years ago, she and her husband sold their house in Scotland to return home attracted by the council's offer to grant planning permission to returning natives.
Griffin satisfied all the council's controversial requirements for the scheme in that she was born and brought up the area and the house will be the couple's main residence.
"This is a matter of huge controversy locally in Connemara. Connemara people feel that a widespread heather such as the "European Dry Heather", to be found in tens of thousands of acres on the Ballyconneely Peninsula, should not enjoy a status superior to that of an applicant with an essential housing need," said Mannion.
Griffin's site is just across the road from a house owned by the wife of District Court Judge Donnachadh O'Buachalla who uses it primarily as a holiday home. Planning permission to build the four-bedroom house was given to a local woman who then sold it to O'Buachalla's wife.
A spokesman for minister Gormley said he would not comment on individual planning issues. He added that the department has a statutory obligation to protect the natural and built environment and can make observations on plans based on expert advice.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Dart line to connect Drogheda with Dublin under Transport 21
THE Dart looks set to arrive in Drogheda after the government decided to extend Iarnród Éireann's Northern Line electrification project to the Co Louth town.
The move is the second major change to the government's plans for the Dublin commuter rail network under Transport 21 confirmed in the run-up to June's local elections.
Last week, transport minister Noel Dempsey announced the proposed Dart underground tunnel, which was originally meant to run between Heuston and Docklands stations, was to be extended westwards to Inchicore.
Under the government's original plans, Balbriggan was to be the northern terminus of the new Dart line running to Hazelhatch, Co Kildare.
Although Iarnród Éireann has long held ambitions to extend the Dart to Drogheda, the government had previously refused to sanction funding for the project.
But the government has now decided to allow the company to extend the electrification project by a further 10 miles to encompass Drogheda.
"The line will be electrified to Drogheda and the town will be a Dart terminus," said an Iarnród Éireann spokesman. "We also plan to partially convert the current commuter railcar depot in Drogheda into a Dart depot."
Drogheda-based TD Fergus O'Dowd, who has mounted a long-running campaign to get the Dart extended to the town, said the news was fantastic. "Drogheda has really become a suburb of Dublin in recent years and the Dart's arrival should improve transport links between the two towns," he said.
The move has also been welcomed by rail passenger representatives who believe the extension will add little to the overall cost of the project as it removes the need to build new terminus facilities at Balbriggan.
"Balbriggan was a far from ideal choice for a terminus due to the lack of land available. Drogheda makes much more sense," said Mark Gleeson of Rail Users Ireland.
Gleeson said the move would necessitate a review of the Dublin region's fares structure. Currently, a train ticket from Balbriggan to Dublin costs €4.30 whereas the equivalent fare from Drogheda is €13.50.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
The move is the second major change to the government's plans for the Dublin commuter rail network under Transport 21 confirmed in the run-up to June's local elections.
Last week, transport minister Noel Dempsey announced the proposed Dart underground tunnel, which was originally meant to run between Heuston and Docklands stations, was to be extended westwards to Inchicore.
Under the government's original plans, Balbriggan was to be the northern terminus of the new Dart line running to Hazelhatch, Co Kildare.
Although Iarnród Éireann has long held ambitions to extend the Dart to Drogheda, the government had previously refused to sanction funding for the project.
But the government has now decided to allow the company to extend the electrification project by a further 10 miles to encompass Drogheda.
"The line will be electrified to Drogheda and the town will be a Dart terminus," said an Iarnród Éireann spokesman. "We also plan to partially convert the current commuter railcar depot in Drogheda into a Dart depot."
Drogheda-based TD Fergus O'Dowd, who has mounted a long-running campaign to get the Dart extended to the town, said the news was fantastic. "Drogheda has really become a suburb of Dublin in recent years and the Dart's arrival should improve transport links between the two towns," he said.
The move has also been welcomed by rail passenger representatives who believe the extension will add little to the overall cost of the project as it removes the need to build new terminus facilities at Balbriggan.
"Balbriggan was a far from ideal choice for a terminus due to the lack of land available. Drogheda makes much more sense," said Mark Gleeson of Rail Users Ireland.
Gleeson said the move would necessitate a review of the Dublin region's fares structure. Currently, a train ticket from Balbriggan to Dublin costs €4.30 whereas the equivalent fare from Drogheda is €13.50.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Planning sought for private facility at St James’s hospital
Synchrony Healthcare, the private hospital developer, has applied for planning permission for a 196-bed private hospital in the grounds of St James’s Hospital in Dublin.
The firm, which is headed by Fergal Mulchrone, has said the hospital project will go ahead regardless of whether it qualifies for tax breaks from the government. In the budget last Tuesday, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan announced the abolition of capital allowances for private hospitals, nursing homes and convalescent homes.
Synchrony includes Mulchrone, financier Niall McFadden of Boundary Capital and consultant haematologist Dr Barry White. It has a contract agreement with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to build the private hospital under the government’s co-location scheme.
The original estimated cost of building and equipping the hospital was €300 million, but that is now likely to be in the region of €250 million to €270 million, due to a drop in construction costs.
It is expected to employ 400 people in construction and 545 staff when running at full capacity. Mulchrone said the consortium had held discussions with a number of banks, but extensive negotiations would not begin until planning permission had been secured.
He said the hospital would be built within two-and-a-half to three years of the project getting the go-ahead from planners, irrespective of the government’s decision on tax breaks. While Lenihan said ‘‘transitional arrangements’’ would be made for projects at ‘‘an advanced stage of development’’, it is unclear what projects are defined as being at an advanced stage of development. They will be detailed later in the Finance Bill.
While planning permission for the project could technically be granted within three months, most other co-located hospital developments have been delayed by appeals to An Bord Pleanála.
The planned Synchrony hospital will be eight storeys high and was designed by Moloney O’Beirne Architects in Dublin and the international firm HDR.
The project is being managed by the PM Group, which is also project managing the development of the National Paediatric Hospital. Ramsay Healthcare, an Australian group that owns the Capio hospital group in Britain, will operate the co-located hospital at St James’s.
Sunday Business Post
www.buckplanning.ie
The firm, which is headed by Fergal Mulchrone, has said the hospital project will go ahead regardless of whether it qualifies for tax breaks from the government. In the budget last Tuesday, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan announced the abolition of capital allowances for private hospitals, nursing homes and convalescent homes.
Synchrony includes Mulchrone, financier Niall McFadden of Boundary Capital and consultant haematologist Dr Barry White. It has a contract agreement with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to build the private hospital under the government’s co-location scheme.
The original estimated cost of building and equipping the hospital was €300 million, but that is now likely to be in the region of €250 million to €270 million, due to a drop in construction costs.
It is expected to employ 400 people in construction and 545 staff when running at full capacity. Mulchrone said the consortium had held discussions with a number of banks, but extensive negotiations would not begin until planning permission had been secured.
He said the hospital would be built within two-and-a-half to three years of the project getting the go-ahead from planners, irrespective of the government’s decision on tax breaks. While Lenihan said ‘‘transitional arrangements’’ would be made for projects at ‘‘an advanced stage of development’’, it is unclear what projects are defined as being at an advanced stage of development. They will be detailed later in the Finance Bill.
While planning permission for the project could technically be granted within three months, most other co-located hospital developments have been delayed by appeals to An Bord Pleanála.
The planned Synchrony hospital will be eight storeys high and was designed by Moloney O’Beirne Architects in Dublin and the international firm HDR.
The project is being managed by the PM Group, which is also project managing the development of the National Paediatric Hospital. Ramsay Healthcare, an Australian group that owns the Capio hospital group in Britain, will operate the co-located hospital at St James’s.
Sunday Business Post
www.buckplanning.ie
Bad debt agency may be scaffold for property developers
The game is up for developers who lost the run of themselves, writes FRANK MCDONALD
DEVELOPERS WITH large loans from the banks are set to lose out big-time as a result of the Government’s decision to establish the National Asset Management Agency (Nama) to deal with the mountain of bad debt racked up in Ireland’s deflated property bubble.
A number of developers contacted by The Irish Times were reluctant to talk either on or off the record about the agency, as they were still studying the details released so far and teasing out the implications. They all wanted to know more about how the new agency would work.
“Most of them will be wiped out,” according to one developer, who agreed to speak on a confidential basis. “I think you’ll be finding a rush of Ryanair tickets for the developers to places they’ll be hard to find in. Otherwise, the wife and chisellers will be out on the street.”
Contrary to popular impression, he said many loans to developers were not given on a “non-recourse” basis – in other words, secured solely on the asset value of a site. “In the case of Anglo, they lent to almost no-one without personal guarantees, commercial loan or not.
“In the case of residential development, almost all banks asked for personal guarantees. The commercial loans (other than Anglo’s) were mostly done non-recourse, but with collateral support from other of the developer’s assets, which were charged as well,” the developer said.
“If the collateral support was already charged, then second charges were put in place [to secure a new loan] . . . In the case of Nama, the Minister for Finance has explicitly stated that they’ll be pursued for recourse, which is fair enough as that’s part of the loan contract.
“It’s important to realise that, although Nama buys the debt at a discount, the borrower continues to owe the full nominal value of the debt. Nama will be a commercial, profit-making body; its remit will be to cash in the full nominal value of the loan and make a profit.
“I imagine there’ll be a positive statutory obligation on Nama in the legislation to that effect. If the market price for realisation of the debt by Nama is less than the nominal debt amount, developers will be turfed out. There’ll be no mercy for those that can’t pay.”
Much would depend on the calibre of Nama’s top officials and frontline staff. “Hiring has already started for Nama’s managers, and you wouldn’t want some of those applying sitting beside you in a dark cinema. This type of person is remunerated by recoveries, so boot in.”
The banks that lent money so profligately during the boom will also suffer, which is why their share prices fell still further after the Budget announcement that the agency was being set up.
“It makes banks and their shareholders responsible for the losses,” the developer said.
“I thought it quite accomplished, quite elegant really, because it keeps those who caused the problem away from messing with the solution. The Government also has a residual provision that if there are profits, it keeps them and if there are losses, the banks will pay via a levy.
“Nama will have adequate time to deal with the assets and can attune supply to demand and avoid forced sales, thus attaining ‘natural’ prices, instead of banks being indiscriminately allowed to dump loans en masse in a market that isn’t able to take such a mountain of supply.
“Selling at a discount to Nama crystallises losses in excess of the banks’ current provisions. This probably makes them insolvent and requires fresh recapitalisation at prices that will wipe out the current shareholders – which is okay as the law of the market is that it was their risk.
“But recapitalisation needn’t be by the Government, as there are plenty of people who’d invest in a ‘clean’ Irish bank, and hence avoids the evil spectre of nationalisation,” he said. (Meanwhile, Nama would function as a “debt collection agency”, as John Gormley has called it).
“The banks will receive bonds for the loans (at written down values), which they can sell for cash. This would give them fresh liquidity to lend, thus getting the economy going again, while the increase in Government debt represented by the bond issue is covered by assets.
“The Government is insulated by the heavily discounted prices they pay for loans, the residual provision, the length of time they’ll have to work them out and the setting up a professional body [Nama] to do that. So I don’t think Joe and Mary Public will have a problem.”
As the developer pointed out, even Insurance Corporation of Ireland – which had to be bailed out by the Government in the 1980s – turned a profit at the end of the day.
He also believed the amount of profit that could be earned by Nama over 10 years is “very sizeable”.
Asked about financial institutions not covered by the Government’s deposit guarantee scheme, such as Ulster Bank, which has a large exposure to the Irish property market, notably in Ballsbridge, he said they would be “allowed opt in to the scheme if they want”.
Ulster and other banks not guaranteed here could “stay out of the scheme if they think they can recover more by themselves” – for example, by selling the Jurys-Berkeley Court hotel sites, bought for €379 million but probably now worth not much more than €100 million.
Nama was a “loan management regime” with a voluntary membership, and other banks “ought to join up, as it will be paying the [current] market price for loans in the secondary loan markets, which is what they ought to have them marked down to already.”
One way or the other, the game is up for developers and bankers who lost the run of themselves during the boom.
All we now need is a full and frank acknowledgement from the Government that it artificially inflated the bubble and thus made the bust more painful for everyone.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
DEVELOPERS WITH large loans from the banks are set to lose out big-time as a result of the Government’s decision to establish the National Asset Management Agency (Nama) to deal with the mountain of bad debt racked up in Ireland’s deflated property bubble.
A number of developers contacted by The Irish Times were reluctant to talk either on or off the record about the agency, as they were still studying the details released so far and teasing out the implications. They all wanted to know more about how the new agency would work.
“Most of them will be wiped out,” according to one developer, who agreed to speak on a confidential basis. “I think you’ll be finding a rush of Ryanair tickets for the developers to places they’ll be hard to find in. Otherwise, the wife and chisellers will be out on the street.”
Contrary to popular impression, he said many loans to developers were not given on a “non-recourse” basis – in other words, secured solely on the asset value of a site. “In the case of Anglo, they lent to almost no-one without personal guarantees, commercial loan or not.
“In the case of residential development, almost all banks asked for personal guarantees. The commercial loans (other than Anglo’s) were mostly done non-recourse, but with collateral support from other of the developer’s assets, which were charged as well,” the developer said.
“If the collateral support was already charged, then second charges were put in place [to secure a new loan] . . . In the case of Nama, the Minister for Finance has explicitly stated that they’ll be pursued for recourse, which is fair enough as that’s part of the loan contract.
“It’s important to realise that, although Nama buys the debt at a discount, the borrower continues to owe the full nominal value of the debt. Nama will be a commercial, profit-making body; its remit will be to cash in the full nominal value of the loan and make a profit.
“I imagine there’ll be a positive statutory obligation on Nama in the legislation to that effect. If the market price for realisation of the debt by Nama is less than the nominal debt amount, developers will be turfed out. There’ll be no mercy for those that can’t pay.”
Much would depend on the calibre of Nama’s top officials and frontline staff. “Hiring has already started for Nama’s managers, and you wouldn’t want some of those applying sitting beside you in a dark cinema. This type of person is remunerated by recoveries, so boot in.”
The banks that lent money so profligately during the boom will also suffer, which is why their share prices fell still further after the Budget announcement that the agency was being set up.
“It makes banks and their shareholders responsible for the losses,” the developer said.
“I thought it quite accomplished, quite elegant really, because it keeps those who caused the problem away from messing with the solution. The Government also has a residual provision that if there are profits, it keeps them and if there are losses, the banks will pay via a levy.
“Nama will have adequate time to deal with the assets and can attune supply to demand and avoid forced sales, thus attaining ‘natural’ prices, instead of banks being indiscriminately allowed to dump loans en masse in a market that isn’t able to take such a mountain of supply.
“Selling at a discount to Nama crystallises losses in excess of the banks’ current provisions. This probably makes them insolvent and requires fresh recapitalisation at prices that will wipe out the current shareholders – which is okay as the law of the market is that it was their risk.
“But recapitalisation needn’t be by the Government, as there are plenty of people who’d invest in a ‘clean’ Irish bank, and hence avoids the evil spectre of nationalisation,” he said. (Meanwhile, Nama would function as a “debt collection agency”, as John Gormley has called it).
“The banks will receive bonds for the loans (at written down values), which they can sell for cash. This would give them fresh liquidity to lend, thus getting the economy going again, while the increase in Government debt represented by the bond issue is covered by assets.
“The Government is insulated by the heavily discounted prices they pay for loans, the residual provision, the length of time they’ll have to work them out and the setting up a professional body [Nama] to do that. So I don’t think Joe and Mary Public will have a problem.”
As the developer pointed out, even Insurance Corporation of Ireland – which had to be bailed out by the Government in the 1980s – turned a profit at the end of the day.
He also believed the amount of profit that could be earned by Nama over 10 years is “very sizeable”.
Asked about financial institutions not covered by the Government’s deposit guarantee scheme, such as Ulster Bank, which has a large exposure to the Irish property market, notably in Ballsbridge, he said they would be “allowed opt in to the scheme if they want”.
Ulster and other banks not guaranteed here could “stay out of the scheme if they think they can recover more by themselves” – for example, by selling the Jurys-Berkeley Court hotel sites, bought for €379 million but probably now worth not much more than €100 million.
Nama was a “loan management regime” with a voluntary membership, and other banks “ought to join up, as it will be paying the [current] market price for loans in the secondary loan markets, which is what they ought to have them marked down to already.”
One way or the other, the game is up for developers and bankers who lost the run of themselves during the boom.
All we now need is a full and frank acknowledgement from the Government that it artificially inflated the bubble and thus made the bust more painful for everyone.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Shell set to restart laying offshore gas line
SHELL EP Ireland is expected to resume efforts to lay the offshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline, after approval of its environmental management plan by Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan.
The ministerial approval, issued on Thursday, has been greeted with dismay by community groups involved in talks with the Government and Shell to resolve the conflict over the project.
The talks between Pobal Chill Chomáin and Pobal Le Chéile, Royal Dutch Shell, Shell EP Ireland and Ministers for Energy and the Gaeltacht Eamon Ryan and Éamon Ó Cuív broke down earlier this week in Dublin.
The talks were the first between Rossport Five members and Shell since the five were jailed for 94 days in 2005 over their opposition to the routing of the onshore high-pressure Corrib gas pipeline.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is still committed to separate mediation, following its declaration that a complaint lodged by Pobal Chill Chomáin over the project is “admissible”.
However, the Corrib gas partners – Shell, Statoil and Marathon – have already signalled to Mr Ryan’s department that they are “preparing for activities to commence” on pipelaying offshore to the landfall at Glengad.
An Bord Pleanála is still considering a revised application for the onshore pipeline routing.
Measures to “mitigate” the effect of the pipelaying work on the Special Protection Area (SPA) in Broadhaven Bay and at Glengad have been incorporated in Mr Ryan’s approval of the environmental management plan.
Shell has said it has “nothing to say” on the breakdown of talks, while Government mediator Joe Brosnan has said informal contacts will continue. He intends to chair a session of the Government’s forum in Belmullet, Co Mayo, in late April/early May.
Pobal Chill Chomáin and Pobal le Chéile said they “greatly regretted” the outcome of the talks: “This is directly and solely because Shell has made clear that it remains wedded to its present development model for the Corrib gas project in spite of significant and mounting opposition in the local community . . . we still call on the Government to exercise its duty towards its citizens, act resolutely, and insist that Shell face up to the realities and behave as a responsible company must do.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The ministerial approval, issued on Thursday, has been greeted with dismay by community groups involved in talks with the Government and Shell to resolve the conflict over the project.
The talks between Pobal Chill Chomáin and Pobal Le Chéile, Royal Dutch Shell, Shell EP Ireland and Ministers for Energy and the Gaeltacht Eamon Ryan and Éamon Ó Cuív broke down earlier this week in Dublin.
The talks were the first between Rossport Five members and Shell since the five were jailed for 94 days in 2005 over their opposition to the routing of the onshore high-pressure Corrib gas pipeline.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is still committed to separate mediation, following its declaration that a complaint lodged by Pobal Chill Chomáin over the project is “admissible”.
However, the Corrib gas partners – Shell, Statoil and Marathon – have already signalled to Mr Ryan’s department that they are “preparing for activities to commence” on pipelaying offshore to the landfall at Glengad.
An Bord Pleanála is still considering a revised application for the onshore pipeline routing.
Measures to “mitigate” the effect of the pipelaying work on the Special Protection Area (SPA) in Broadhaven Bay and at Glengad have been incorporated in Mr Ryan’s approval of the environmental management plan.
Shell has said it has “nothing to say” on the breakdown of talks, while Government mediator Joe Brosnan has said informal contacts will continue. He intends to chair a session of the Government’s forum in Belmullet, Co Mayo, in late April/early May.
Pobal Chill Chomáin and Pobal le Chéile said they “greatly regretted” the outcome of the talks: “This is directly and solely because Shell has made clear that it remains wedded to its present development model for the Corrib gas project in spite of significant and mounting opposition in the local community . . . we still call on the Government to exercise its duty towards its citizens, act resolutely, and insist that Shell face up to the realities and behave as a responsible company must do.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Public consultation for council's billboard plan
UP TO 80 outdoor advertisements due to be erected in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council area without planning approval will now be subject to a public consultation process, the council has said.
The decision comes after Clear Channel, the company chosen to erect 47 of the smaller signs, pulled out of the €10 million, 10-year deal with the council.
The council had also come under severe criticism for refusing to seek planning permission for the erection of 30 billboard-sized signs throughout its administrative area in a deal with advertising company JC Decaux Ltd.
In a report to councillors, to be discussed at a council meeting next week, environment and culture director Richard Shakespeare said the contract with JC Decaux would now be subject to “Part 8” approval for each of the proposed structures.
Under the Part 8 process the proposals will go on display and the public will be invited to make submissions before councillors vote on whether or not to approve the structures.
Mr Shakespeare said though the 47 smaller signs had already been approved by councillors, they would also be subject to the Part 8 process because a “window of opportunity” existed after the withdrawal of Clear Channel.
He said Clear Channel had told the council they were not in a position to proceed in the short term because of the downturn in the economy and the fall in demand for outdoor advertising. He also warned “a major adjustment” in the council’s expenditure on amenities would be required because of the loss of income.
Members of the Green Party in Dún Laoghaire welcomed the decision, but said they would prefer if the proposals were either dropped or put through a full planning process.
Green Party TD Ciarán Cuffe, who described the signs already in Dublin city as “visual pollution”, said the Part 8 procedure was flawed because it could not be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
“Given that the council is making money from the deal I don’t believe they can be impartial in deciding on their own application,” he said.
Cllr Gene Feighery said she didn’t want people to wake up in the morning and find a billboard the height of a double-decker bus on their doorstep.
“The JC Decaux ads will have 18 fluorescent tubes inside them to light them up, and may well be carrying ads from drink companies; I don’t feel this is appropriate,” she said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The decision comes after Clear Channel, the company chosen to erect 47 of the smaller signs, pulled out of the €10 million, 10-year deal with the council.
The council had also come under severe criticism for refusing to seek planning permission for the erection of 30 billboard-sized signs throughout its administrative area in a deal with advertising company JC Decaux Ltd.
In a report to councillors, to be discussed at a council meeting next week, environment and culture director Richard Shakespeare said the contract with JC Decaux would now be subject to “Part 8” approval for each of the proposed structures.
Under the Part 8 process the proposals will go on display and the public will be invited to make submissions before councillors vote on whether or not to approve the structures.
Mr Shakespeare said though the 47 smaller signs had already been approved by councillors, they would also be subject to the Part 8 process because a “window of opportunity” existed after the withdrawal of Clear Channel.
He said Clear Channel had told the council they were not in a position to proceed in the short term because of the downturn in the economy and the fall in demand for outdoor advertising. He also warned “a major adjustment” in the council’s expenditure on amenities would be required because of the loss of income.
Members of the Green Party in Dún Laoghaire welcomed the decision, but said they would prefer if the proposals were either dropped or put through a full planning process.
Green Party TD Ciarán Cuffe, who described the signs already in Dublin city as “visual pollution”, said the Part 8 procedure was flawed because it could not be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
“Given that the council is making money from the deal I don’t believe they can be impartial in deciding on their own application,” he said.
Cllr Gene Feighery said she didn’t want people to wake up in the morning and find a billboard the height of a double-decker bus on their doorstep.
“The JC Decaux ads will have 18 fluorescent tubes inside them to light them up, and may well be carrying ads from drink companies; I don’t feel this is appropriate,” she said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Vacant homes to be used for social welfare tenants
LOCAL AUTHORITIES are to be allowed to place social welfare tenants who are on housing waiting lists in thousands of vacant “affordable” homes under a new initiative.
There are almost 4,000 unsold affordable homes in housing estates and complexes in the hands of the State.
These were provided on foot of housing legislation which requires developers to set aside 20 per cent of new developments for affordable housing.
However, demand for these affordable homes has fallen due to the collapse in property prices.
Michael Finneran, the Minister of State with responsibility for housing, said yesterday that a circular has been issued to city and county councils authorising them to examine alternative ways of using these vacant houses.
These include allocating homes to families on social housing waiting lists; transferring the homes to tenants who have been on rent supplement for more than 18 months; and selling them to local authority tenants.
“If the local authorities cannot sell these houses, I’ll certainly agree to other ways of disposing of them,” Mr Finneran told The Irish Times. “I don’t want the State to own vacant houses at a time when there are people on housing waiting lists.”
He said he was mindful of “swamping” an estate with tenants on social welfare, and would ensure there was a good social mix on estates, where possible.
“I’ll be guided by sustainable community principles.
“It’s important that we examine each development on a case-by-case basis,” Mr Finneran pointed out.
He said officials estimate there are at least 3,700 vacant affordable homes at present, but this figure is likely to rise to about 5,000 by the end of the year as more homes are completed.
Local authorities anticipate they will be able to sell a significant number of these houses, despite the state of the property market.
They say a rise in the amount which a person can borrow from the State to buy a house – which has been increased to €220,000 – will help those who are having difficulties getting mortgages from banks.
This attempt to use some of the State’s vacant housing stock for social purposes is the second initiative of its type this year.
Last February Mr Finneran announced a €20 million plan in which the Government will lease about 2,000 vacant houses in the private sector to people on local authority housing waiting lists.
The scheme would involve the Government leasing vacant houses from developers for a period of 10-20 years.
The move was criticised by some Opposition parties as an attempt to bail out developers, while others said the leasing arrangement represented poor value for money.
Labour’s housing spokesman Ciarán Lynch TD estimated that leasing the houses could end up costing the State up to €500,000 per house.
However, Mr Finneran yesterday insisted the scheme would offer value for money and represented a valuable opportunity to source homes for people and help to give a “leg up” to part of the construction industry.
He said there had been significant interest in the scheme from property developers.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
There are almost 4,000 unsold affordable homes in housing estates and complexes in the hands of the State.
These were provided on foot of housing legislation which requires developers to set aside 20 per cent of new developments for affordable housing.
However, demand for these affordable homes has fallen due to the collapse in property prices.
Michael Finneran, the Minister of State with responsibility for housing, said yesterday that a circular has been issued to city and county councils authorising them to examine alternative ways of using these vacant houses.
These include allocating homes to families on social housing waiting lists; transferring the homes to tenants who have been on rent supplement for more than 18 months; and selling them to local authority tenants.
“If the local authorities cannot sell these houses, I’ll certainly agree to other ways of disposing of them,” Mr Finneran told The Irish Times. “I don’t want the State to own vacant houses at a time when there are people on housing waiting lists.”
He said he was mindful of “swamping” an estate with tenants on social welfare, and would ensure there was a good social mix on estates, where possible.
“I’ll be guided by sustainable community principles.
“It’s important that we examine each development on a case-by-case basis,” Mr Finneran pointed out.
He said officials estimate there are at least 3,700 vacant affordable homes at present, but this figure is likely to rise to about 5,000 by the end of the year as more homes are completed.
Local authorities anticipate they will be able to sell a significant number of these houses, despite the state of the property market.
They say a rise in the amount which a person can borrow from the State to buy a house – which has been increased to €220,000 – will help those who are having difficulties getting mortgages from banks.
This attempt to use some of the State’s vacant housing stock for social purposes is the second initiative of its type this year.
Last February Mr Finneran announced a €20 million plan in which the Government will lease about 2,000 vacant houses in the private sector to people on local authority housing waiting lists.
The scheme would involve the Government leasing vacant houses from developers for a period of 10-20 years.
The move was criticised by some Opposition parties as an attempt to bail out developers, while others said the leasing arrangement represented poor value for money.
Labour’s housing spokesman Ciarán Lynch TD estimated that leasing the houses could end up costing the State up to €500,000 per house.
However, Mr Finneran yesterday insisted the scheme would offer value for money and represented a valuable opportunity to source homes for people and help to give a “leg up” to part of the construction industry.
He said there had been significant interest in the scheme from property developers.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Private hospital planned for Cork
PROPERTY DEVELOPER Owen O’Callaghan has begun preliminary discussions with a number of private healthcare companies with a view to establishing a €60 million 100-bed private hospital in Cork city.
O’Callaghan Properties is to apply to Cork City Council for planning permission within the next month for the new private hospital on the site of the former Jurys Hotel on the Western Road in the city.
O’Callaghan Properties has already built a new hotel for Jurys and some 175 apartments on the five-acre site, but the company has dropped plans to build a further 100 apartments in favour of developing the new private hospital which will not require any change of zoning.
A spokesman for O’Callaghan Properties confirmed that preparatory planning work was well advanced for the six-storey hospital which, standing on a two-acre portion of the site, was expected to free up beds for public patients in existing city centre hospitals in Cork.
And he confirmed that O’Callaghan Properties had already held preliminary discussions with private healthcare companies Mount Carmel Medical Group and the Sheehan Medical Group with a view to operating the 100,000sq ft hospital.
The O’Callaghan Properties spokesman said the Jury’s Hotel site was viewed as being a very favourable location given its proximity to the Mercy University Hospital and the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital and Cork University Hospital. “Following discussions with a number of consultants in the area, it was felt the site was ideal by virtue of its proximity to both the Mercy and to the South Infirmary Victoria as well as UCC and the Cork Clinic on Western Road,” he said.
“It’s also convenient to Cork University Hospital which is only 10 minutes’ drive away, and the site is already well serviced with some 500 underground parking spaces,” he added.
The O’Callaghan Properties spokesman added that another attractive feature of the site was its proximity to the newly refurbished Jurys Hotel which would offer accommodation for anyone visiting a patient.
The hotel could also be used by patients travelling to Cork and wishing to stay overnight before undergoing day procedures at the hospital in line with a policy adopted by some Dublin hospitals which had been praised by HSE chief executive Prof Brendan Drumm.
The O’Callaghan Properties proposal is the latest in a series of private hospital initiatives in Cork and follows an application by the Beacon Medical Group to establish a €242 million private hospital on the grounds of Cork University Hospital.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
O’Callaghan Properties is to apply to Cork City Council for planning permission within the next month for the new private hospital on the site of the former Jurys Hotel on the Western Road in the city.
O’Callaghan Properties has already built a new hotel for Jurys and some 175 apartments on the five-acre site, but the company has dropped plans to build a further 100 apartments in favour of developing the new private hospital which will not require any change of zoning.
A spokesman for O’Callaghan Properties confirmed that preparatory planning work was well advanced for the six-storey hospital which, standing on a two-acre portion of the site, was expected to free up beds for public patients in existing city centre hospitals in Cork.
And he confirmed that O’Callaghan Properties had already held preliminary discussions with private healthcare companies Mount Carmel Medical Group and the Sheehan Medical Group with a view to operating the 100,000sq ft hospital.
The O’Callaghan Properties spokesman said the Jury’s Hotel site was viewed as being a very favourable location given its proximity to the Mercy University Hospital and the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital and Cork University Hospital. “Following discussions with a number of consultants in the area, it was felt the site was ideal by virtue of its proximity to both the Mercy and to the South Infirmary Victoria as well as UCC and the Cork Clinic on Western Road,” he said.
“It’s also convenient to Cork University Hospital which is only 10 minutes’ drive away, and the site is already well serviced with some 500 underground parking spaces,” he added.
The O’Callaghan Properties spokesman added that another attractive feature of the site was its proximity to the newly refurbished Jurys Hotel which would offer accommodation for anyone visiting a patient.
The hotel could also be used by patients travelling to Cork and wishing to stay overnight before undergoing day procedures at the hospital in line with a policy adopted by some Dublin hospitals which had been praised by HSE chief executive Prof Brendan Drumm.
The O’Callaghan Properties proposal is the latest in a series of private hospital initiatives in Cork and follows an application by the Beacon Medical Group to establish a €242 million private hospital on the grounds of Cork University Hospital.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Protest over plans to restrict development
UPWARDS OF 400 people are expected to attend a protest outside Cork’s County Hall this morning amid claims that the proposed designation of coastal areas around west Cork as scenic landscape areas could force families to leave the community.
Chairman of Beara Chamber of Commerce Michael O’Sullivan, who is running as an independent local election candidate on the issue, said the designation would leave young people in Beara, Mizen Head and Sheep’s Head with little choice but to leave their rural communities and move in to towns and villages.
“The whole planning situation is a mess. Planning should be straightforward and not something that can be dictated by councillors. We will be demonstrating on the special scenic landscape issue. We think they will be a massive crowd as people are very upset about it all.” He said the proposed designation of coastal areas around Castletownbere, Bantry and Schull as scenic landscape areas could mean children of families around the Beara, Mizen Head and Sheep’s Head communities being unable to get permission for houses in the future.
The proposals in relation to scenic landscape areas were first put forward in August and are among a number of amendments to the Cork County Development Plan. Supporters of the council’s proposed measures claim scenic coastal areas have to be protected.
The proposals reportedly allow anybody with a commitment to permanent residency to have the restrictions lifted. It is understood that future developments would be assessed on the impact it might have on the landscape’s character.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Chairman of Beara Chamber of Commerce Michael O’Sullivan, who is running as an independent local election candidate on the issue, said the designation would leave young people in Beara, Mizen Head and Sheep’s Head with little choice but to leave their rural communities and move in to towns and villages.
“The whole planning situation is a mess. Planning should be straightforward and not something that can be dictated by councillors. We will be demonstrating on the special scenic landscape issue. We think they will be a massive crowd as people are very upset about it all.” He said the proposed designation of coastal areas around Castletownbere, Bantry and Schull as scenic landscape areas could mean children of families around the Beara, Mizen Head and Sheep’s Head communities being unable to get permission for houses in the future.
The proposals in relation to scenic landscape areas were first put forward in August and are among a number of amendments to the Cork County Development Plan. Supporters of the council’s proposed measures claim scenic coastal areas have to be protected.
The proposals reportedly allow anybody with a commitment to permanent residency to have the restrictions lifted. It is understood that future developments would be assessed on the impact it might have on the landscape’s character.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Officials to discuss Clare 'excessive overzoning'
SENIOR DEPARTMENT of the Environment officials are to meet Clare County Council planners in the next two weeks in a bid to eliminate what the department calls the “unsustainable” and “excessive overzoning” of lands for housing around Ennis.
In adopting the Ennis and Environs Development Plan last December, councillors ignored pleas from Minister for the Environment John Gormley TD to dezone large tracts of land.
Councillors also ignored the recommendations of the council’s own study into the environmental impact of a number of their zoning decisions. The department has told the council in a letter that it has sought the advice of the Attorney General on the issue.
In a letter to the council’s director for planning, Bernadette Kinsella, the department says that 4,500 acres of land are zoned around Ennis for housing that could accommodate a population of more than 100,000 people.
It points out that in 2006 Ennis’s population was just 28,700 and the following year a department report forecast that the town’s population would increase by more than 6,000 by 2020.
“Comparing the zoning capacity with likely population growth, there is clearly a very substantial, unjustified and unsustainable amount of overzoning of land with residential potential,” the department’s letter states.
It also cites a study by the Mid-West Regional Authority that concluded there is sufficient land in the region to satisfy 40 years’ housing demand and that one-third of all zoned land in the mid-west is in Ennis and its environs.
The overzoning issue “has significant local, county and regional implications” and puts forward three options for the council.
The department says the council could dezone some of the land which has residential potential or implement a phasing programme where land outside certain designated areas could only be zoned for development after 75 per cent of the designated areas were developed for housing.
The third option suggested involves a combination of the other two.
The department is asking the council to tighten its “locals-only” policy in the countryside around Ennis, stating that in key ways the wording of the council’s policy is vague. Currently the plan allows the development of in-depth clusters of up to six homes in countryside area and a policy for infill development in the countryside.
The department is seeking the elimination of these two policies and suggests alternative ways of limiting “urban-generated housing” in the countryside.
In a note circulated to councillors accompanying the letter, Ms Kinsella said a joint meeting of Ennis Town Council and councillors from the Ennis electoral area will be held after the meeting with department officials.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
In adopting the Ennis and Environs Development Plan last December, councillors ignored pleas from Minister for the Environment John Gormley TD to dezone large tracts of land.
Councillors also ignored the recommendations of the council’s own study into the environmental impact of a number of their zoning decisions. The department has told the council in a letter that it has sought the advice of the Attorney General on the issue.
In a letter to the council’s director for planning, Bernadette Kinsella, the department says that 4,500 acres of land are zoned around Ennis for housing that could accommodate a population of more than 100,000 people.
It points out that in 2006 Ennis’s population was just 28,700 and the following year a department report forecast that the town’s population would increase by more than 6,000 by 2020.
“Comparing the zoning capacity with likely population growth, there is clearly a very substantial, unjustified and unsustainable amount of overzoning of land with residential potential,” the department’s letter states.
It also cites a study by the Mid-West Regional Authority that concluded there is sufficient land in the region to satisfy 40 years’ housing demand and that one-third of all zoned land in the mid-west is in Ennis and its environs.
The overzoning issue “has significant local, county and regional implications” and puts forward three options for the council.
The department says the council could dezone some of the land which has residential potential or implement a phasing programme where land outside certain designated areas could only be zoned for development after 75 per cent of the designated areas were developed for housing.
The third option suggested involves a combination of the other two.
The department is asking the council to tighten its “locals-only” policy in the countryside around Ennis, stating that in key ways the wording of the council’s policy is vague. Currently the plan allows the development of in-depth clusters of up to six homes in countryside area and a policy for infill development in the countryside.
The department is seeking the elimination of these two policies and suggests alternative ways of limiting “urban-generated housing” in the countryside.
In a note circulated to councillors accompanying the letter, Ms Kinsella said a joint meeting of Ennis Town Council and councillors from the Ennis electoral area will be held after the meeting with department officials.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
City manager rejects calls for inquiry into decision on Dunne
DUBLIN CITY manager John Tierney has rejected calls for an inquiry into his planners’ handling of the application by Seán Dunne to develop the former Jurys/Berkeley Court site in Ballsbridge.
Mr Tierney said the call by city councillors for an independent inquiry was inappropriate because it would add another layer to a democratic planning process culminating in an independent decision by An Bord Pleanála.
“Dublin City Council handles 4,000 applications a year, many of which are controversial,” he told Fine Gael councillor Paddy McCartan in a letter.
“Will the members now require an inquiry into every difficult decision to be made? There is already an independent process in place through An Bord Pleanála to deal with appeals against decisions of the city council and it demonstrates due diligence and fair process in action.”
Labour and Fine Gael councillors have questioned how the council granted planning permission for the scheme when the board later found it contravened the city development plan. In January, the board ruled against Mr Dunne’s plans for a 37-storey tower and seven other high-rise buildings in their entirety, saying they constituted a gross over-development of the site.
In a robust defence of his officials, Mr Tierney criticises councillors for questioning the integrity of the staff involved in the decision. He said the reason the council’s law agent was not consulted was because no matters of law arose in the application.
Mr Tierney said the divergence between the council and the board should not be misconstrued. High Court and Supreme Court judges frequently handed down radically different opinions on the same piece of law, he pointed out, and in the Ballsbridge case there was a divergence of opinion between the members of the board.
Mr McCartan said a material contravention of the city plan was a legal matter, and so the application should have been referred to the law agent. He accused planners of taking a “lax approach” which relied on the knowledge that the board would make the final decision.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Mr Tierney said the call by city councillors for an independent inquiry was inappropriate because it would add another layer to a democratic planning process culminating in an independent decision by An Bord Pleanála.
“Dublin City Council handles 4,000 applications a year, many of which are controversial,” he told Fine Gael councillor Paddy McCartan in a letter.
“Will the members now require an inquiry into every difficult decision to be made? There is already an independent process in place through An Bord Pleanála to deal with appeals against decisions of the city council and it demonstrates due diligence and fair process in action.”
Labour and Fine Gael councillors have questioned how the council granted planning permission for the scheme when the board later found it contravened the city development plan. In January, the board ruled against Mr Dunne’s plans for a 37-storey tower and seven other high-rise buildings in their entirety, saying they constituted a gross over-development of the site.
In a robust defence of his officials, Mr Tierney criticises councillors for questioning the integrity of the staff involved in the decision. He said the reason the council’s law agent was not consulted was because no matters of law arose in the application.
Mr Tierney said the divergence between the council and the board should not be misconstrued. High Court and Supreme Court judges frequently handed down radically different opinions on the same piece of law, he pointed out, and in the Ballsbridge case there was a divergence of opinion between the members of the board.
Mr McCartan said a material contravention of the city plan was a legal matter, and so the application should have been referred to the law agent. He accused planners of taking a “lax approach” which relied on the knowledge that the board would make the final decision.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Second phase of Dundrum centre to be appealed
A PLAN to develop the second phase of a town centre in south Dublin is to be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
Phase two of the Dundrum Town Centre was given the go-ahead by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council last month.
The plan, on a 4.4 hectare site including the original Dundrum shopping centre on Main Street, involves the demolition of properties on Glenville Terrace and Main Street and the development of retail, residential, restaurants, a creche, medical centre, library and a nine-storey, 96-bedroom hotel.
Developers Lendridge Ltd had said they hoped to begin working on the new centre by the end of this year. However, the economic downturn may delay that.
Local residents’ organisation, the Dundrum Interest Group, which represents over 1,000 households, has engaged a town planner to lodge their appeal, which must reach the planning board by today.
Spokesman for the group Stephen O’Shea said residents were concerned about the size and scale of the project, which was substantially bigger than that originally agreed with residents and approved by the council.
They also view the scope of the development as limited, the overall height too great with car park space insufficient.
Residents were not opposed to the development, he said, but had wanted something that had more community facilities and would give the area back its village feel, he said.
“The hotel will be the same height as the Luas bridge,” Mr O’Shea said.
“It’s like the Titanic turning up; it’s completely out of place.”
The library offered by the developers as part of a “planning sweetener” was not suitable in isolation and would function better in a community centre than in a shopping centre, he said.
And the park mentioned in the plan already existed and was being taken over by the developer. Residents would like to see art galleries and museums included instead of just retail outlets Mr O’Shea said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Phase two of the Dundrum Town Centre was given the go-ahead by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council last month.
The plan, on a 4.4 hectare site including the original Dundrum shopping centre on Main Street, involves the demolition of properties on Glenville Terrace and Main Street and the development of retail, residential, restaurants, a creche, medical centre, library and a nine-storey, 96-bedroom hotel.
Developers Lendridge Ltd had said they hoped to begin working on the new centre by the end of this year. However, the economic downturn may delay that.
Local residents’ organisation, the Dundrum Interest Group, which represents over 1,000 households, has engaged a town planner to lodge their appeal, which must reach the planning board by today.
Spokesman for the group Stephen O’Shea said residents were concerned about the size and scale of the project, which was substantially bigger than that originally agreed with residents and approved by the council.
They also view the scope of the development as limited, the overall height too great with car park space insufficient.
Residents were not opposed to the development, he said, but had wanted something that had more community facilities and would give the area back its village feel, he said.
“The hotel will be the same height as the Luas bridge,” Mr O’Shea said.
“It’s like the Titanic turning up; it’s completely out of place.”
The library offered by the developers as part of a “planning sweetener” was not suitable in isolation and would function better in a community centre than in a shopping centre, he said.
And the park mentioned in the plan already existed and was being taken over by the developer. Residents would like to see art galleries and museums included instead of just retail outlets Mr O’Shea said.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
State must back metro financing, says bidder
THE GOVERNMENT would have to underwrite the financing risks associated with the public-private partnership (PPP) project for Metro North if it is to be built, according to one of the consortiums bidding for the contract.
Stephane Kofman, who heads the specialist investment division of HSBC, told a lunch meeting in Dublin organised by the Ireland-France Chamber of Commerce that equity had become “very scarce” as a result of the recession.
The British government had set up a co-financing agency to underwrite private finance initiatives (PFIs) for public infrastructure projects in order to ensure that it had “solid partners” at a time when the volume of PFIs is in decline.
Mr Kofman said HSBC had invested €10 billion in PPP projects since 2001 and it was now a partner with Alstom, the French tramway builder, and SIAC in bidding for the Metro North contract, for which competition was “very fierce”.
Didier Traube, concessions director of Alstom, said the recession had meant there were now fewer lenders in the market – just seven to 10, compared to between 30 and 40 offering loans just two years ago. Lenders had also become “more risk averse”.
Consequently, project debt was now more expensive – “by a factor of two or three”. This meant that there would have to be “guarantees from the public side” to underwrite the financing or refinancing risks, according to Mr Traube.
Mr Kofman conceded that there was an “ideological reluctance” to accept PPPs because they were seen as more expensive, as privatisation in disguise, offering reduced levels of service and with the State awarding “secret” tenders.
“The PPP model faces intense scrutiny, but continues to spread,” he said. The main advantage was that it “spread costs over life of the asset”, although it was “unlikely to offer a rapid remedy” as an economic stimulus because of long lead times.
Without referring to the secrecy surrounding Metro North, for which the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has refused to divulge any estimated cost, he said PPP projects should be “implemented in a very transparent procurement process”.
One of the PPP projects in which HSBC is involved is the new high-speed rail link between Belgium and the Netherlands. Alstom, which built the Luas trams for Dublin, is currently delivering a single-line tramway in the northern French city of Reims.
This was also a PPP contract for design, construction, operation and maintenance of the new tramway, as well as all bus services in the Reims metropolitan area for a 35-year period – 10 years longer than the term quoted for Metro North by the RPA.
The €413 million project, due for completion in 2011, is receiving a 40 per cent public subsidy, with 50 per cent provided by bank debt and the rest by the project’s shareholders, including Alstom, French construction giant Bouygues and a number of banks.
Mr Traube said Reims Metropole, the public client, is covering part of the risk, including interest rate changes. The main advantage of controlling the buses is that it “provides revenue during construction as well as better control of tramline patronage”.
In Dublin, Luas and bus services operate entirely independently and are run by different agencies – Veolia, the French company that won the contract to operate Luas, and Dublin Bus, which is planning a 10 per cent cut in services to reduce its growing deficit.
In Reims, as in Bordeaux, bus services are being reorganised to “feed” passengers to the 11km tramway after it opens in two years’ time. Mr Traube said this will lead to a 40 per cent increase in public transport patronage in the metropolitan area.
Bidding for metro: four consortiums in the mix
DUBLIN EXPRESS Link, one of the four consortiums bidding for the Metro North contract, claims it is “uniquely placed” to deliver the 18km line linking Swords with St Stephen’s Green because of its “combination of experience, cohesion and scale”.
A brochure accompanying its detailed bid, which was among those submitted to the Railway Procurement Agency, notes that Alstom supplied and still maintains the Luas trams.
The Dublin Express Link consortium is led by Bouygues, working in a joint venture with Spanish contractor Acciona. Their experience includes the Sydney, Barcelona and Cairo metros and the Meteor line in Paris.
Also involved is Siac, one of Ireland’s largest civil engineering contractors. “Totally familiar with Dublin’s road and rail infrastructure, Siac will ensure that our approach is comprehensively planned and delivered at a local level, using local resources”, it says.
Alstom would build the “light metro vehicles” for the line, more than half of which would be installed underground. It would also provide the power and distribution, signalling, control and communications, as well as maintaining the system for the 25-year contract period.
Dublin Express Link’s principal architects are London-based Grimshaws, who would “focus on aesthetics, accessibility, ease of movement and the creation of signature designs” for the Metro North stations in association with Dublin-based architects RKD.
The line would be operated by Keolis, which manages integrated transport systems in the French cities of Lyon and Lille, while the financial investors in Dublin Express Link are HSBC and Meridiam, who are also involved in funding the Limerick Tunnel PPP project.
FRANK McDONALD
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Stephane Kofman, who heads the specialist investment division of HSBC, told a lunch meeting in Dublin organised by the Ireland-France Chamber of Commerce that equity had become “very scarce” as a result of the recession.
The British government had set up a co-financing agency to underwrite private finance initiatives (PFIs) for public infrastructure projects in order to ensure that it had “solid partners” at a time when the volume of PFIs is in decline.
Mr Kofman said HSBC had invested €10 billion in PPP projects since 2001 and it was now a partner with Alstom, the French tramway builder, and SIAC in bidding for the Metro North contract, for which competition was “very fierce”.
Didier Traube, concessions director of Alstom, said the recession had meant there were now fewer lenders in the market – just seven to 10, compared to between 30 and 40 offering loans just two years ago. Lenders had also become “more risk averse”.
Consequently, project debt was now more expensive – “by a factor of two or three”. This meant that there would have to be “guarantees from the public side” to underwrite the financing or refinancing risks, according to Mr Traube.
Mr Kofman conceded that there was an “ideological reluctance” to accept PPPs because they were seen as more expensive, as privatisation in disguise, offering reduced levels of service and with the State awarding “secret” tenders.
“The PPP model faces intense scrutiny, but continues to spread,” he said. The main advantage was that it “spread costs over life of the asset”, although it was “unlikely to offer a rapid remedy” as an economic stimulus because of long lead times.
Without referring to the secrecy surrounding Metro North, for which the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has refused to divulge any estimated cost, he said PPP projects should be “implemented in a very transparent procurement process”.
One of the PPP projects in which HSBC is involved is the new high-speed rail link between Belgium and the Netherlands. Alstom, which built the Luas trams for Dublin, is currently delivering a single-line tramway in the northern French city of Reims.
This was also a PPP contract for design, construction, operation and maintenance of the new tramway, as well as all bus services in the Reims metropolitan area for a 35-year period – 10 years longer than the term quoted for Metro North by the RPA.
The €413 million project, due for completion in 2011, is receiving a 40 per cent public subsidy, with 50 per cent provided by bank debt and the rest by the project’s shareholders, including Alstom, French construction giant Bouygues and a number of banks.
Mr Traube said Reims Metropole, the public client, is covering part of the risk, including interest rate changes. The main advantage of controlling the buses is that it “provides revenue during construction as well as better control of tramline patronage”.
In Dublin, Luas and bus services operate entirely independently and are run by different agencies – Veolia, the French company that won the contract to operate Luas, and Dublin Bus, which is planning a 10 per cent cut in services to reduce its growing deficit.
In Reims, as in Bordeaux, bus services are being reorganised to “feed” passengers to the 11km tramway after it opens in two years’ time. Mr Traube said this will lead to a 40 per cent increase in public transport patronage in the metropolitan area.
Bidding for metro: four consortiums in the mix
DUBLIN EXPRESS Link, one of the four consortiums bidding for the Metro North contract, claims it is “uniquely placed” to deliver the 18km line linking Swords with St Stephen’s Green because of its “combination of experience, cohesion and scale”.
A brochure accompanying its detailed bid, which was among those submitted to the Railway Procurement Agency, notes that Alstom supplied and still maintains the Luas trams.
The Dublin Express Link consortium is led by Bouygues, working in a joint venture with Spanish contractor Acciona. Their experience includes the Sydney, Barcelona and Cairo metros and the Meteor line in Paris.
Also involved is Siac, one of Ireland’s largest civil engineering contractors. “Totally familiar with Dublin’s road and rail infrastructure, Siac will ensure that our approach is comprehensively planned and delivered at a local level, using local resources”, it says.
Alstom would build the “light metro vehicles” for the line, more than half of which would be installed underground. It would also provide the power and distribution, signalling, control and communications, as well as maintaining the system for the 25-year contract period.
Dublin Express Link’s principal architects are London-based Grimshaws, who would “focus on aesthetics, accessibility, ease of movement and the creation of signature designs” for the Metro North stations in association with Dublin-based architects RKD.
The line would be operated by Keolis, which manages integrated transport systems in the French cities of Lyon and Lille, while the financial investors in Dublin Express Link are HSBC and Meridiam, who are also involved in funding the Limerick Tunnel PPP project.
FRANK McDONALD
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 9 April 2009
O'Se gets rezoning as planners ignored
MEMBERS OF Kerry County Council have ignored the advice of their senior planners by granting a controversial land rezoning to Gaelic football great Páidí Ó Sé.
The zoning clears the way for Ó Sé to apply for planning permission for a sports interpretive centre, with commercial accommodation, at his pub in Ventry.
The land, in a scenic area less than a third of a mile from the sea, had prime special amenity zoning, but now has residential-opportunity zoning in the new Kerry County Development Plan 2009-2015.
Senior council planning engineer Tom Sheehy said he had no difficulty with the sports interpretive centre, but having commercial accommodation on a sensitive landscape between the Slea Head road and the sea would be totally inappropriate.
He also said applications for rezonings by other people in the area had already been refused and he did not believe exceptions should be made.
Mr Sheehy said the idea of allowing holiday homes so as to make a tourism project viable had previously been rejected by councillors arising from submissions by private golf clubs
The rezoning request by the Fáilte Ireland director and holder of eight All-Ireland medals was opposed by two Ventry groups, Fís Fionn Trá and Intíre. But, Fianna Fáil councillor Paul O’Donoghue, who proposed the rezoning be granted, said the development would help create jobs and generate income in the area.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The zoning clears the way for Ó Sé to apply for planning permission for a sports interpretive centre, with commercial accommodation, at his pub in Ventry.
The land, in a scenic area less than a third of a mile from the sea, had prime special amenity zoning, but now has residential-opportunity zoning in the new Kerry County Development Plan 2009-2015.
Senior council planning engineer Tom Sheehy said he had no difficulty with the sports interpretive centre, but having commercial accommodation on a sensitive landscape between the Slea Head road and the sea would be totally inappropriate.
He also said applications for rezonings by other people in the area had already been refused and he did not believe exceptions should be made.
Mr Sheehy said the idea of allowing holiday homes so as to make a tourism project viable had previously been rejected by councillors arising from submissions by private golf clubs
The rezoning request by the Fáilte Ireland director and holder of eight All-Ireland medals was opposed by two Ventry groups, Fís Fionn Trá and Intíre. But, Fianna Fáil councillor Paul O’Donoghue, who proposed the rezoning be granted, said the development would help create jobs and generate income in the area.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Doolin Cave visitor centre plan lodged
THE PROMOTERS of Doolin Cave, Co Clare, have relodged plans for a visitor centre to serve people going to view the Pol an Ionáin stalactite.
However, the owners of Ailwee Cave, a nearby rival, quickly lodged an objection against the plan by Doolin Cave Ltd.
The new plan by John and Helen Browne of Doolin Cave Ltd attracted one other objection, from a Michael Scanlon of Lissycasey, Ennis, Co Clare.
A previous application by the Brownes earlier this year was invalidated on a technicality and the plans have now been relodged.
The planning application argues that the cave, which contains reputedly the largest free-hanging stalactite in the world, is not viable without a visitor centre.
The Brownes opened Doolin Cave to the public three years ago.However, stringent conditions were imposed on them and tourists had to be bussed to the cave, where there were no onsite facilities.
In a letter accompanying the application for a visitor centre, Doolin Cave Ltd states: “The developers did not anticipate that the ‘park-and-ride’ operation at Doolin Cave would present any difficulty when it was first proposed by them in their planning application.
“They tried it over three tourist seasons in 2006, 2007 and 2008 in good faith and have found to their disappointment that it does not generate enough revenue to be viable into the future.”
The letter states that the cave itself is very successful and visitors have been overwhelmingly positive.
It says there is no other visitor attraction in the State “which operates on a park-and-ride basis and a chemical toilet system”.
The application argues that Doolin Cave “has huge potential to become one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions” in a sustainable way.
It says the lack of visitor facilities on the site “will never allow it develop to its full potential”.
However, in his objection, Mr Scanlon states: “An Bord Pleanála has always insisted that no buildings or toilet facilities be erected on this site.
“This is undoubtedly to safeguard the stalactite.”
Mr Scanlon expresses his opposition to what he calls the “built-up environment and commercialism of the Doolin tourist industry invading this far into the unspoilt countryside”.
He adds: “There is a showcase/ visitor attraction employing 100 people in the area already. Is another viable in this economic climate?”
A decision is due on the application by Doolin Cave Ltd later this year.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
However, the owners of Ailwee Cave, a nearby rival, quickly lodged an objection against the plan by Doolin Cave Ltd.
The new plan by John and Helen Browne of Doolin Cave Ltd attracted one other objection, from a Michael Scanlon of Lissycasey, Ennis, Co Clare.
A previous application by the Brownes earlier this year was invalidated on a technicality and the plans have now been relodged.
The planning application argues that the cave, which contains reputedly the largest free-hanging stalactite in the world, is not viable without a visitor centre.
The Brownes opened Doolin Cave to the public three years ago.However, stringent conditions were imposed on them and tourists had to be bussed to the cave, where there were no onsite facilities.
In a letter accompanying the application for a visitor centre, Doolin Cave Ltd states: “The developers did not anticipate that the ‘park-and-ride’ operation at Doolin Cave would present any difficulty when it was first proposed by them in their planning application.
“They tried it over three tourist seasons in 2006, 2007 and 2008 in good faith and have found to their disappointment that it does not generate enough revenue to be viable into the future.”
The letter states that the cave itself is very successful and visitors have been overwhelmingly positive.
It says there is no other visitor attraction in the State “which operates on a park-and-ride basis and a chemical toilet system”.
The application argues that Doolin Cave “has huge potential to become one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions” in a sustainable way.
It says the lack of visitor facilities on the site “will never allow it develop to its full potential”.
However, in his objection, Mr Scanlon states: “An Bord Pleanála has always insisted that no buildings or toilet facilities be erected on this site.
“This is undoubtedly to safeguard the stalactite.”
Mr Scanlon expresses his opposition to what he calls the “built-up environment and commercialism of the Doolin tourist industry invading this far into the unspoilt countryside”.
He adds: “There is a showcase/ visitor attraction employing 100 people in the area already. Is another viable in this economic climate?”
A decision is due on the application by Doolin Cave Ltd later this year.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Galway oil tanks to be removed within days
WORK IS due to begin within days on demolishing 10 oil storage tanks in Galway docks in time for next month’s Volvo Ocean Race stopover.
Galway harbourmaster Capt Brian Sheridan has confirmed that the dockside terminal site has been made safe this week, and contracting teams are about to start dismantling the steel structures.
The demolition is exempt from planning approval under the Planning and Development Act 2000, says Galway City Council, and the scrap will be “recycled”.
The controversy surrounding the tanks, and their impact on the yacht race, had become so heated that some felt they might have to be painted as pints of Guinness to mask their presence during the prestigious international race.
A temporary race “village” had been earmarked for the tank site, on the premise that they would be removed in time.
The 10 tanks are located so close to the city centre that would not meet updated safety measures in the wake of the Buncefield explosions in Hertfordshire, England, three years ago.
However, Topaz, which acquired use of the storage tanks when it took over Shell’s retail business, had engaged in protracted negotiations to move to a new terminal built on the harbour’s southern limits.
Several weeks ago, Galway mayor Pádraig Conneely wrote to both Topaz and Chevron, both of whom had been invited to move to the new terminal, appealing to their “civic duty” to facilitate the Volvo race.
Last week’s reported acquisition of the new Enwest Terminal by Edward Holdings broke the impasse, as Gerry Barrett of Edward Holdings is also a shareholder in Topaz.
Topaz chief operating officer Frank Bergin said in a statement that Topaz had been “working tirelessly behind the scenes for the last 18 months” with the Galway harbour authorities and the owners of the new Enwest terminal “with a view to securing agreement”, and said that the company recognised “the importance of the Volvo Ocean Race to Galway, and indeed to the country”.
The Government has committed €8 million to Galway for the Volvo yachting event, which represents the largest State investment of its type to date in a sporting event.
The stopover by the race fleet is expected to attract 140,000 spectators who will spend in the region of €40 million.
A detailed programme of shore events was published in Galway last night.
The entertainment will include free concerts by Sharon Shannon and groups such as Aslan, The Stunning, the Coronas, Hothouse Flowers.
Organisers say there will be street theatre, an art trail and an aerial display by the British Red Arrows.
The Galway Alliance Against War has expressed its disappointment at the invitation issued to the Red Arrows, and has said that it will stage a protest if the invitation is not withdrawn.
The race fleet, including two entries with strong Irish connections, is currently in Rio de Janeiro and preparing to leave for Boston. It is expected that the fleet will take a week to cross the Atlantic to Galway in mid-May, approaching the city via the Aran islands.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Galway harbourmaster Capt Brian Sheridan has confirmed that the dockside terminal site has been made safe this week, and contracting teams are about to start dismantling the steel structures.
The demolition is exempt from planning approval under the Planning and Development Act 2000, says Galway City Council, and the scrap will be “recycled”.
The controversy surrounding the tanks, and their impact on the yacht race, had become so heated that some felt they might have to be painted as pints of Guinness to mask their presence during the prestigious international race.
A temporary race “village” had been earmarked for the tank site, on the premise that they would be removed in time.
The 10 tanks are located so close to the city centre that would not meet updated safety measures in the wake of the Buncefield explosions in Hertfordshire, England, three years ago.
However, Topaz, which acquired use of the storage tanks when it took over Shell’s retail business, had engaged in protracted negotiations to move to a new terminal built on the harbour’s southern limits.
Several weeks ago, Galway mayor Pádraig Conneely wrote to both Topaz and Chevron, both of whom had been invited to move to the new terminal, appealing to their “civic duty” to facilitate the Volvo race.
Last week’s reported acquisition of the new Enwest Terminal by Edward Holdings broke the impasse, as Gerry Barrett of Edward Holdings is also a shareholder in Topaz.
Topaz chief operating officer Frank Bergin said in a statement that Topaz had been “working tirelessly behind the scenes for the last 18 months” with the Galway harbour authorities and the owners of the new Enwest terminal “with a view to securing agreement”, and said that the company recognised “the importance of the Volvo Ocean Race to Galway, and indeed to the country”.
The Government has committed €8 million to Galway for the Volvo yachting event, which represents the largest State investment of its type to date in a sporting event.
The stopover by the race fleet is expected to attract 140,000 spectators who will spend in the region of €40 million.
A detailed programme of shore events was published in Galway last night.
The entertainment will include free concerts by Sharon Shannon and groups such as Aslan, The Stunning, the Coronas, Hothouse Flowers.
Organisers say there will be street theatre, an art trail and an aerial display by the British Red Arrows.
The Galway Alliance Against War has expressed its disappointment at the invitation issued to the Red Arrows, and has said that it will stage a protest if the invitation is not withdrawn.
The race fleet, including two entries with strong Irish connections, is currently in Rio de Janeiro and preparing to leave for Boston. It is expected that the fleet will take a week to cross the Atlantic to Galway in mid-May, approaching the city via the Aran islands.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Eirgrid chooses potential routes for interconnector
NATIONAL ELECTRICITY grid operator, Eirgrid, said yesterday that it has narrowed down the potential routes for the €180 million link between Meath and Tyrone.
The State agency is planning to build high-voltage power lines between the two counties. The development will be part of the national grid, the core of the electricity distribution network.
Yesterday, Eirgrid said it had chosen “candidate” routes for the project. The first connects with the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) network east of Clontibret, Co Monaghan. It then runs south-east around Lough Egish and Shantonagh Lough and on to Kingscourt, Co Cavan.
The second line will run from Woodland, Co Meath, skirting around Trim and Tara, to Kilmainhamwood. Eirgrid said yesterday the routes will be subject to further studies, and added that no decision will be made until these are completed.
Tomás Mahony, EirGrid senior project engineer, said that to get to this point, the agency carried out feasibility studies of each route. “These line routes will now be taken forward to the next phase of project development, involving discussions with landowners as a priority, further studies and stakeholder engagement,” he said.
The north-east link is a key part of development of the national grid, according to Eirgrid. The connection is needed to guarantee power supplies to the northeast and to boost interconnection between the Republic and the North, which now have a common electricity market.
Eirgrid intends running the 400 kilovolt (KV) lines over 70km on overhead pylons. A local organisation, the North East Pylon Pressure group, wants the agency to place them underground, and has suggested a disused railway line as a possible route.
A study jointly commissioned by Eirgrid and NIE from Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB Power) and published in February found that the extra cost involved in running the lines underground could be as much as €500 million.
It pointed out that there are no underground power lines of the same length and capacity anywhere in the world.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The State agency is planning to build high-voltage power lines between the two counties. The development will be part of the national grid, the core of the electricity distribution network.
Yesterday, Eirgrid said it had chosen “candidate” routes for the project. The first connects with the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) network east of Clontibret, Co Monaghan. It then runs south-east around Lough Egish and Shantonagh Lough and on to Kingscourt, Co Cavan.
The second line will run from Woodland, Co Meath, skirting around Trim and Tara, to Kilmainhamwood. Eirgrid said yesterday the routes will be subject to further studies, and added that no decision will be made until these are completed.
Tomás Mahony, EirGrid senior project engineer, said that to get to this point, the agency carried out feasibility studies of each route. “These line routes will now be taken forward to the next phase of project development, involving discussions with landowners as a priority, further studies and stakeholder engagement,” he said.
The north-east link is a key part of development of the national grid, according to Eirgrid. The connection is needed to guarantee power supplies to the northeast and to boost interconnection between the Republic and the North, which now have a common electricity market.
Eirgrid intends running the 400 kilovolt (KV) lines over 70km on overhead pylons. A local organisation, the North East Pylon Pressure group, wants the agency to place them underground, and has suggested a disused railway line as a possible route.
A study jointly commissioned by Eirgrid and NIE from Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB Power) and published in February found that the extra cost involved in running the lines underground could be as much as €500 million.
It pointed out that there are no underground power lines of the same length and capacity anywhere in the world.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Clare set to get third wind farm
A THIRD wind farm for Co Clare is set to get the green light this year as part of the Government’s bid to increase its electricity from green sources to 20 per cent by 2020.
In 2003, Hibernian Windpower Ltd secured planning permission from An Bord Pleanála for the construction of a 350 ft high five turbine wind farm at High Street, Lissycasey.
Clare County Council had refused planning permission for a 10-turbine wind farm in an upland bog area and the appeals board granted planning to five of the turbines after Hibernian Windpower Ltd appealed the decision.
The council refused planning permission for the proposal due to fears that it could have an effect on 80 acres of upland active blanket bog 3km from Lissycasey.
Seven wind farms have been given planning permission in Clare, however the difficulties in securing a grid connection has resulted in only two wind farms proceeding: at Moanmore near Kilrush and Booltiagh near Connolly.
However, prior to Hibernian securing planning permission, the Commission for Energy Regulation imposed a moratorium in December 2003 on the issuing of new connection offers for wind farms to the national grid, thus stopping the wind farm from proceeding.
However, with the moratorium now lifted, Hibernian Windpower expects a grid connection for the wind farm to be issued in 2009.
Applying to the council for an extension in the planning permission, Hibernian Windpower states: “Substantial progress has been achieved in completing this project and significant services and engineering that are fundamental to achieving substantial works have been completed.”
The company says the application for extension of time arises from the unavoidable and unplanned delay in getting the project under way.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
In 2003, Hibernian Windpower Ltd secured planning permission from An Bord Pleanála for the construction of a 350 ft high five turbine wind farm at High Street, Lissycasey.
Clare County Council had refused planning permission for a 10-turbine wind farm in an upland bog area and the appeals board granted planning to five of the turbines after Hibernian Windpower Ltd appealed the decision.
The council refused planning permission for the proposal due to fears that it could have an effect on 80 acres of upland active blanket bog 3km from Lissycasey.
Seven wind farms have been given planning permission in Clare, however the difficulties in securing a grid connection has resulted in only two wind farms proceeding: at Moanmore near Kilrush and Booltiagh near Connolly.
However, prior to Hibernian securing planning permission, the Commission for Energy Regulation imposed a moratorium in December 2003 on the issuing of new connection offers for wind farms to the national grid, thus stopping the wind farm from proceeding.
However, with the moratorium now lifted, Hibernian Windpower expects a grid connection for the wind farm to be issued in 2009.
Applying to the council for an extension in the planning permission, Hibernian Windpower states: “Substantial progress has been achieved in completing this project and significant services and engineering that are fundamental to achieving substantial works have been completed.”
The company says the application for extension of time arises from the unavoidable and unplanned delay in getting the project under way.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Judge's refusal sparks unruly scenes in Corrib case
A DISTRICT Court judge vacated the bench twice yesterday amid unruly courtroom scenes which broke out as she dealt with cases involving activists who want the €180 million Corrib gas terminal located offshore.
The trouble erupted at Belmullet court after Judge Mary Devins refused to disqualify herself from hearing cases against a number of prominent Shell to Sea campaigners who are opposed to the mainland terminal in Bellanaboy.
There was uproar on a number of occasions during the proceedings with protesters applauding loudly and slapping furniture after the impartiality of the judge had been called into question.
One activist, Niall Harnett, on the instructions of the judge, was removed from the court but was not arrested.
Earlier, Mr Harnett, with an address at Barr na Coille, Pollathomas, Ballina, who faces public order and criminal damage charges, asked the judge to disqualify herself from his case.
Mr Harnett questioned the judge’s impartiality claiming she had demonstrated ill-will towards him and “shown favour to my opponents”.
Mr Harnett went on to allege that the judge was “compromised by the fact that you are the wife of a Government Minister in a Government whose policy and stance on the Shell Corrib Gas project is one that I am actively involved in opposing as a Shell to Sea campaigner”. The judge is married to Minister of State for Science Jimmy Devins.
The judge strongly rejected the allegations of non-impartiality made by Mr Harnett and two other prominent Shell to Sea campaigners, Eoin Ó Leidhín and Pat O’Donnell, who face public order charges, and fixed a trial date for next month.
She said her impartiality in Shell to Sea cases was obvious to any interested observer and went on to describe Mr Harnett’s accusations as “scurrilous”. The judge said the allegations were “vicious”, “personal”, “unprecedented” and “unwarranted”.
The judge also refused an application by solicitor Alan Gannon that she disqualify herself from hearing a case against Maura Harrington who is charged with assaulting a security guard at the proposed Glengad gas landfall point and trespassing on Shell property. A decision in the Harrington case is to be made by the judge on May 13th.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The trouble erupted at Belmullet court after Judge Mary Devins refused to disqualify herself from hearing cases against a number of prominent Shell to Sea campaigners who are opposed to the mainland terminal in Bellanaboy.
There was uproar on a number of occasions during the proceedings with protesters applauding loudly and slapping furniture after the impartiality of the judge had been called into question.
One activist, Niall Harnett, on the instructions of the judge, was removed from the court but was not arrested.
Earlier, Mr Harnett, with an address at Barr na Coille, Pollathomas, Ballina, who faces public order and criminal damage charges, asked the judge to disqualify herself from his case.
Mr Harnett questioned the judge’s impartiality claiming she had demonstrated ill-will towards him and “shown favour to my opponents”.
Mr Harnett went on to allege that the judge was “compromised by the fact that you are the wife of a Government Minister in a Government whose policy and stance on the Shell Corrib Gas project is one that I am actively involved in opposing as a Shell to Sea campaigner”. The judge is married to Minister of State for Science Jimmy Devins.
The judge strongly rejected the allegations of non-impartiality made by Mr Harnett and two other prominent Shell to Sea campaigners, Eoin Ó Leidhín and Pat O’Donnell, who face public order charges, and fixed a trial date for next month.
She said her impartiality in Shell to Sea cases was obvious to any interested observer and went on to describe Mr Harnett’s accusations as “scurrilous”. The judge said the allegations were “vicious”, “personal”, “unprecedented” and “unwarranted”.
The judge also refused an application by solicitor Alan Gannon that she disqualify herself from hearing a case against Maura Harrington who is charged with assaulting a security guard at the proposed Glengad gas landfall point and trespassing on Shell property. A decision in the Harrington case is to be made by the judge on May 13th.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
'Symbolic' new Peace Bridge for Derry
THE WINNING design for what has been described as an iconic and symbolic foot and cycle bridge across the River Foyle in Derry was unveiled yesterday.
The £13.3 million (€14.5 million) 235m long and 4m wide S-shaped bridge will span the river between the Foyle embankment behind the Guildhall and the former British army base at Ebrington in the Waterside.
Work on the Peace Bridge will start in September with a completion date in October next year. The contract for the design and construction of the bridge has been awarded to Graham, one of Northern Ireland’s largest engineering contractors. The Co Down company has built some of Ireland’s best-known bridges including the Dargan Bridge in Dublin as well as the Foyle Bridge in Derry and the Belfast cross-harbour road and rail bridges.
Funding for the Peace Bridge has been provided by the European Peace III Programme with contributions from Governments North and South.
The North’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the Peace Bridge would be a catalyst for change in Derry which would tranform the entire community.
“It will unite the city physically, symbolically and emotionally and will be a powerful and lasting symbol of the moment a divided people started to reach out to each other,” said Mr McGuinness.
Plans for a foot and cycle bridge were first submitted to the planning office 15 years ago. Yesterday Brenda Fraser, director of development with the urban regeneration company Ilex which is behind the project, said the bridge would be a world class development and herald “a new era for citizens and visitors alike and will act as a catalyst for transformation and future growth”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The £13.3 million (€14.5 million) 235m long and 4m wide S-shaped bridge will span the river between the Foyle embankment behind the Guildhall and the former British army base at Ebrington in the Waterside.
Work on the Peace Bridge will start in September with a completion date in October next year. The contract for the design and construction of the bridge has been awarded to Graham, one of Northern Ireland’s largest engineering contractors. The Co Down company has built some of Ireland’s best-known bridges including the Dargan Bridge in Dublin as well as the Foyle Bridge in Derry and the Belfast cross-harbour road and rail bridges.
Funding for the Peace Bridge has been provided by the European Peace III Programme with contributions from Governments North and South.
The North’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the Peace Bridge would be a catalyst for change in Derry which would tranform the entire community.
“It will unite the city physically, symbolically and emotionally and will be a powerful and lasting symbol of the moment a divided people started to reach out to each other,” said Mr McGuinness.
Plans for a foot and cycle bridge were first submitted to the planning office 15 years ago. Yesterday Brenda Fraser, director of development with the urban regeneration company Ilex which is behind the project, said the bridge would be a world class development and herald “a new era for citizens and visitors alike and will act as a catalyst for transformation and future growth”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Social Housing Exemption Certificates
While Planning Authorities differ in their requirements with respect to Social Housing Exemption Certificates for a subsequent (or more) planning applications on the same site for the same - or similar - proposal, it is notable that Dublin City Council is now requiring a new certificate with every new planning application.
So, for example, the next time you make a second planning application for an infill house (side garden, back garden, etc) following a refusal on design grounds, you will need (notwithstanding an existing grant of Social Housing Exemption Certificate which clearly shows the proposal is exempt) to go through the process of applying for a new certificate for the same thing.
This is not detailed in any guidance documentation issued by DCC, so please avoid invalidation on this ground.
I hope that makes sense.
www.buckplanning.ie
So, for example, the next time you make a second planning application for an infill house (side garden, back garden, etc) following a refusal on design grounds, you will need (notwithstanding an existing grant of Social Housing Exemption Certificate which clearly shows the proposal is exempt) to go through the process of applying for a new certificate for the same thing.
This is not detailed in any guidance documentation issued by DCC, so please avoid invalidation on this ground.
I hope that makes sense.
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
Sligo council debates rights of way
SLIGO COUNTY Council has a strong case in its pending High Court battle with the owners of Lissadell House over rights-of-way on the estate, councillors have been told.
During a stormy discussion at the monthly meeting of the council, county manager Hubert Kearns resisted calls for the council’s legal advice to be circulated to elected members.
He insisted that disclosure could prejudice the council’s case. “The other side will not come forward and give us their legal advice,” Mr Kearns said.
At the outset of yesterday’s debate, there were claims that the matter was sub judice and should not be discussed because of the pending court case.
This view was described by Labour councillor Jim McGarry as a “disgrace”, an attempt to avoid answering questions and an attempt to stifle debate.
Mr McGarry, who raised the issue, was compared to the Gestapo by one of his colleagues after he asked the county manager whether two senior staff members were members of the Lissadell Action Group which has claimed that public rights-of-way exist on the estate.
Sinn Féin’s Seán MacManus said he would defend to his last breath the right of staff members to hold personal views and the county manager should not be asked to police their actions outside working hours.
Sligo mayor Veronica Cawley (Lab) said she was shocked that such a motion could come from a party colleague. Dissociating herself from the motion, which she said was “based on rumour and innuendo”, the mayor apologised to the staff.
In a letter to Sligo councillors yesterday, the Lissadell owners said the historic estate could soon be lost to the people of Sligo. They said they had been forced to close the house to the public in January even though they had hoped to increase visitor numbers from 40,000 to nearly 60,000 this year.
Owners Eddie Walsh and Constance Cassidy said they had to initiate a High Court case to establish that there were no public rights-of-way at Lissadell.
After the county manager was pressed on whether the council could win the High Court action,senior enforcement officer Joe Murphy told members that the legal advice was that the council had a good prima facie case.
Mr Murphy said that the manager was satisfied that no staff member with access to relevant files in this case had a personal or private interest in the issue.
Mr McGarry said there was widespread public unease about the failure to resolve the issue amicably.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
During a stormy discussion at the monthly meeting of the council, county manager Hubert Kearns resisted calls for the council’s legal advice to be circulated to elected members.
He insisted that disclosure could prejudice the council’s case. “The other side will not come forward and give us their legal advice,” Mr Kearns said.
At the outset of yesterday’s debate, there were claims that the matter was sub judice and should not be discussed because of the pending court case.
This view was described by Labour councillor Jim McGarry as a “disgrace”, an attempt to avoid answering questions and an attempt to stifle debate.
Mr McGarry, who raised the issue, was compared to the Gestapo by one of his colleagues after he asked the county manager whether two senior staff members were members of the Lissadell Action Group which has claimed that public rights-of-way exist on the estate.
Sinn Féin’s Seán MacManus said he would defend to his last breath the right of staff members to hold personal views and the county manager should not be asked to police their actions outside working hours.
Sligo mayor Veronica Cawley (Lab) said she was shocked that such a motion could come from a party colleague. Dissociating herself from the motion, which she said was “based on rumour and innuendo”, the mayor apologised to the staff.
In a letter to Sligo councillors yesterday, the Lissadell owners said the historic estate could soon be lost to the people of Sligo. They said they had been forced to close the house to the public in January even though they had hoped to increase visitor numbers from 40,000 to nearly 60,000 this year.
Owners Eddie Walsh and Constance Cassidy said they had to initiate a High Court case to establish that there were no public rights-of-way at Lissadell.
After the county manager was pressed on whether the council could win the High Court action,senior enforcement officer Joe Murphy told members that the legal advice was that the council had a good prima facie case.
Mr Murphy said that the manager was satisfied that no staff member with access to relevant files in this case had a personal or private interest in the issue.
Mr McGarry said there was widespread public unease about the failure to resolve the issue amicably.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Corrib talks collapse over basic 'disagreement'
DIRECT TALKS between the Government, Shell and north Mayo representatives over the Corrib gas impasse have broken down, following more than five hours of discussions in Dublin yesterday.
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív, who attended the meeting with Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan and junior Minister Seán Power, told The Irish Times there was a “fundamental disagreement” between the two sides, but the initiative had been “very useful”.
“I will be discussing with Eamon Ryan where we go from here, as we are still committed to mediating in some form to resolve this issue,” he said.
Mr Ryan said that these were the first talks of their kind and “should have happened at the start of this project.
“Important issues were raised, and this has been and could still be a very useful engagement. There are no doors closed,” Mr Ryan said.
It is understood that the location of the Bellanaboy gas terminal was central to the divisions between Shell and the community groups.
Vincent McGrath, chair of Pobal Chill Chomáin, said he was “disappointed but not surprised” at the outcome yesterday evening.
“On the positive side, this initiative represented the first public acknowledgment by both Government and Shell of the central role of the north Mayo community organisations, Pobal Chill Chomáin and Pobal Le Chéile, in resolving this issue,” he said.
“We were also keen to ensure that Royal Dutch Shell heard our concerns directly, and we believe that Shell headquarters is fully aware now of our position,” Mr McGrath said. “We pointed out the benefit to Shell in public relations terms of coming to an agreed solution, given that the legal case against Royal Dutch Shell for human rights abuses against the Ogoni people in Nigeria is due to be held next month,” he added.
The discussions were the first between Rossport Five members and Shell since the five were jailed for 94 days in 2005.
Their imprisonment arose from their opposition to the routing of the high-pressure Corrib gas onshore pipeline.
Shell was represented by Mike Wilkinson, Royal Dutch Shell vice-president for sustainable development; John Gallagher, vice-president (technical) of Shell EP Europe; and Terry Nolan, Shell EP Ireland managing director.
The Mayo delegation included Erris business group Pobal le Chéile, led by Ciarán Ó Murchú, and Pobal Chill Chomáin representatives Micheál Ó Seighin, Vincent McGrath, Willie Corduff, Mary Corduff and Fr Michael Nallen.
Shell EP Ireland had no comment to make at time of going to press last night.
Shell to Sea activist Maura Harrington, who was imprisoned for 28 days by Judge Mary Devins at Belmullet District Court for an assault on a garda, is due to be released today.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív, who attended the meeting with Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan and junior Minister Seán Power, told The Irish Times there was a “fundamental disagreement” between the two sides, but the initiative had been “very useful”.
“I will be discussing with Eamon Ryan where we go from here, as we are still committed to mediating in some form to resolve this issue,” he said.
Mr Ryan said that these were the first talks of their kind and “should have happened at the start of this project.
“Important issues were raised, and this has been and could still be a very useful engagement. There are no doors closed,” Mr Ryan said.
It is understood that the location of the Bellanaboy gas terminal was central to the divisions between Shell and the community groups.
Vincent McGrath, chair of Pobal Chill Chomáin, said he was “disappointed but not surprised” at the outcome yesterday evening.
“On the positive side, this initiative represented the first public acknowledgment by both Government and Shell of the central role of the north Mayo community organisations, Pobal Chill Chomáin and Pobal Le Chéile, in resolving this issue,” he said.
“We were also keen to ensure that Royal Dutch Shell heard our concerns directly, and we believe that Shell headquarters is fully aware now of our position,” Mr McGrath said. “We pointed out the benefit to Shell in public relations terms of coming to an agreed solution, given that the legal case against Royal Dutch Shell for human rights abuses against the Ogoni people in Nigeria is due to be held next month,” he added.
The discussions were the first between Rossport Five members and Shell since the five were jailed for 94 days in 2005.
Their imprisonment arose from their opposition to the routing of the high-pressure Corrib gas onshore pipeline.
Shell was represented by Mike Wilkinson, Royal Dutch Shell vice-president for sustainable development; John Gallagher, vice-president (technical) of Shell EP Europe; and Terry Nolan, Shell EP Ireland managing director.
The Mayo delegation included Erris business group Pobal le Chéile, led by Ciarán Ó Murchú, and Pobal Chill Chomáin representatives Micheál Ó Seighin, Vincent McGrath, Willie Corduff, Mary Corduff and Fr Michael Nallen.
Shell EP Ireland had no comment to make at time of going to press last night.
Shell to Sea activist Maura Harrington, who was imprisoned for 28 days by Judge Mary Devins at Belmullet District Court for an assault on a garda, is due to be released today.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Free advice days to aid homeless
An unusual initiative will see planning consultants raise money for a homelessness charity by giving their advice for free.
The Wicklow firm Buck Planning Services consultants will hold a free planning-advice clinic in its offices in Wicklow town on Fridays for the next eight weeks. “All that is asked in return is that you provide a charitable donation of your choice to the Fr Peter McVerry Trust,” said Brendan Buck, a senior partner with the firm.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The Wicklow firm Buck Planning Services consultants will hold a free planning-advice clinic in its offices in Wicklow town on Fridays for the next eight weeks. “All that is asked in return is that you provide a charitable donation of your choice to the Fr Peter McVerry Trust,” said Brendan Buck, a senior partner with the firm.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Emissions fell by one million tonnes - EPA
THE AMOUNT of greenhouse gas produced by Ireland’s largest emitters fell by almost one million tonnes last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said.
The reduction continues a downward trend in recorded Irish emissions since the European Union-wide Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) started in 2005.
The scheme was introduced to tackle emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to combat climate change.
Under the scheme, high emitters are given a quota in the form of tonnes of emissions of CO2 gases each year. Companies covered under ETS include power com-panies and glass and steel manufacturers. Verified greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland have fallen from 22.43 million tonnes in 2005 to 20.38 million tonnes last year, the EPA said. Some 21.25 million tonnes were emitted in 2007.
EPA director general Dr Mary Kelly welcomed the development and attributed the reduction to the economic downturn and the impact of the scheme.
“The results released by the EPA show how the Emissions Trading Scheme has been successful in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.
“While no doubt some of the reduction reflects the economic downturn which began to have significant impact during 2008, nonetheless the overall picture is one of progressive annual emission reductions.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The reduction continues a downward trend in recorded Irish emissions since the European Union-wide Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) started in 2005.
The scheme was introduced to tackle emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to combat climate change.
Under the scheme, high emitters are given a quota in the form of tonnes of emissions of CO2 gases each year. Companies covered under ETS include power com-panies and glass and steel manufacturers. Verified greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland have fallen from 22.43 million tonnes in 2005 to 20.38 million tonnes last year, the EPA said. Some 21.25 million tonnes were emitted in 2007.
EPA director general Dr Mary Kelly welcomed the development and attributed the reduction to the economic downturn and the impact of the scheme.
“The results released by the EPA show how the Emissions Trading Scheme has been successful in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.
“While no doubt some of the reduction reflects the economic downturn which began to have significant impact during 2008, nonetheless the overall picture is one of progressive annual emission reductions.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 6 April 2009
Lissadell owners call on council to resolve dispute
THE OWNERS of Lissadell House in Co Sligo, which has been closed to the public since January because of a rights-of-way dispute, have told councillors meeting today that the house could be shut permanently unless the matter is resolved urgently.
Lawyers Eddie Walsh and his wife Constance Cassidy, who own the property, sent each member of Sligo County Council a letter yesterday, warning of High Court proceedings fixed for April 20th.
Councillors have been told that an application will be made for judgment and damages against the council, which, the owners say, missed three deadlines to respond to their claim that there are no public rights-of-way across the estate.
Local campaigners claim that a right-of-way dates back to the turn of the last century.
The letter stated: “Lissadell will be lost to Sligo if you do not make an urgent effort to address this.”
The issue is on the agenda for today’s council meeting.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Lawyers Eddie Walsh and his wife Constance Cassidy, who own the property, sent each member of Sligo County Council a letter yesterday, warning of High Court proceedings fixed for April 20th.
Councillors have been told that an application will be made for judgment and damages against the council, which, the owners say, missed three deadlines to respond to their claim that there are no public rights-of-way across the estate.
Local campaigners claim that a right-of-way dates back to the turn of the last century.
The letter stated: “Lissadell will be lost to Sligo if you do not make an urgent effort to address this.”
The issue is on the agenda for today’s council meeting.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Shedding some light on €2bn tunnel vision
* The planned 7.5km tunnel will link the Docklands with Heuston Station and terminate at Inchicore.
* It will allow passenger numbers on DART and commuter lines to treble from 33 million passengers at present to 100 million.
* It will cost €2bn to deliver and will be built under a Public-Private Partnership deal.
* It is due to open in 2015, the same year that Metro North is delivered.
* It will pave the way for two DART lines in the capital: one from Hazelhatch (Celbridge) to Bray, and the second from Maynooth to Howth.
* The stations are at the Docklands, Pearse Street, St Stephen's Green, Christchurch, Heuston and Inchicore.
* The system will link with Metro North, DART, commuter services, intercity and Luas.
* An estimated 6,000-7,000 construction jobs will be created during the building phase.
* Planning permission will be sought later this year, and it is hoped to begin work in 2011.
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
* It will allow passenger numbers on DART and commuter lines to treble from 33 million passengers at present to 100 million.
* It will cost €2bn to deliver and will be built under a Public-Private Partnership deal.
* It is due to open in 2015, the same year that Metro North is delivered.
* It will pave the way for two DART lines in the capital: one from Hazelhatch (Celbridge) to Bray, and the second from Maynooth to Howth.
* The stations are at the Docklands, Pearse Street, St Stephen's Green, Christchurch, Heuston and Inchicore.
* The system will link with Metro North, DART, commuter services, intercity and Luas.
* An estimated 6,000-7,000 construction jobs will be created during the building phase.
* Planning permission will be sought later this year, and it is hoped to begin work in 2011.
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Rail plan changes will avert chaos in capital
COMMUTERS using Dublin's Heuston Station, the country's busiest railway terminus, are to be spared major disruption when a tunnel linking it with the city centre is built.
Ending the line at Heuston would have required massive engineering and road works including acquiring expensive land to build more tracks to accommodate the trains and the tunnel entrance.
Now, while passengers will still alight underground at Heuston, the trains will terminate further down the line on Irish Rail land in nearby Inchicore which has ample space for the trains that will use the tunnel.
The €2bn project is due to come on stream in 2015. Extending the line to Inchicore will mean services at Heuston Station will not be affected during construction.
Deemed the most important public transport project in the capital, the 7.5km tunnel will run from the Docklands to Heuston Station via St Stephen's Green. It will pave the way for two DART lines, and link Metro North, commuter, intercity and Luas services. Capacity will be trebled from 33 million passengers per year to 100 million.
Changes announced yesterday include having the tunnel entrance, or portal, located at Inchicore instead of Heuston.
"The extension removes the requirement to increase the number of tracks between Inchicore and Heuston to meet the underground line," a spokesman said.
"This would have required significant property acquisitions and would cause serious disruption to residents, as well as road and rail users.
"No major road artery to or from the city will be affected by the portal areas."
Other changes to the project include the removal of the Kildare Street exit from St Stephen's Green. The station location at Pearse Street has also been changed.
The project will see up to 20 trains travel in each direction per hour, carrying up to 64,000 commuters.
Important
DART services will run every three minutes, and Iarnrod Eireann says it will be the single most important piece of infrastructure in the State, which will ensure a shift form private to public transport.
It also links all rail modes -- DART, Commuter, Intercity, Luas and Metro -- to form an integrated cohesive network.
"DART underground line is the missing link not only in our rail infrastructure, but in our transport infrastructure," CIE chairman Dr John Lynch said.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Ending the line at Heuston would have required massive engineering and road works including acquiring expensive land to build more tracks to accommodate the trains and the tunnel entrance.
Now, while passengers will still alight underground at Heuston, the trains will terminate further down the line on Irish Rail land in nearby Inchicore which has ample space for the trains that will use the tunnel.
The €2bn project is due to come on stream in 2015. Extending the line to Inchicore will mean services at Heuston Station will not be affected during construction.
Deemed the most important public transport project in the capital, the 7.5km tunnel will run from the Docklands to Heuston Station via St Stephen's Green. It will pave the way for two DART lines, and link Metro North, commuter, intercity and Luas services. Capacity will be trebled from 33 million passengers per year to 100 million.
Changes announced yesterday include having the tunnel entrance, or portal, located at Inchicore instead of Heuston.
"The extension removes the requirement to increase the number of tracks between Inchicore and Heuston to meet the underground line," a spokesman said.
"This would have required significant property acquisitions and would cause serious disruption to residents, as well as road and rail users.
"No major road artery to or from the city will be affected by the portal areas."
Other changes to the project include the removal of the Kildare Street exit from St Stephen's Green. The station location at Pearse Street has also been changed.
The project will see up to 20 trains travel in each direction per hour, carrying up to 64,000 commuters.
Important
DART services will run every three minutes, and Iarnrod Eireann says it will be the single most important piece of infrastructure in the State, which will ensure a shift form private to public transport.
It also links all rail modes -- DART, Commuter, Intercity, Luas and Metro -- to form an integrated cohesive network.
"DART underground line is the missing link not only in our rail infrastructure, but in our transport infrastructure," CIE chairman Dr John Lynch said.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
ESB plans revamp of Dublin headquarters
The ESB is planning a major revamp of its headquarters at Fitzwilliam Street in Dublin city centre. It intends to publish an architectural design notice shortly on the proposed redevelopment of its HQ, which occupies a 2.5-acre site at the square.
An ESB spokesman said it "will commence a design competition shortly to examine options for the refurbishment of its headquarters building which is and old and inefficient building".
The HQ was designed by Sam Stephenson and Arthur Gibney, both of whom died in 2006. Part of a Georgian terrace was demolished to make way for it. In 2005, the ESB painted its facade pink, to criticism from the architectural community.
Sunday Tribune
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An ESB spokesman said it "will commence a design competition shortly to examine options for the refurbishment of its headquarters building which is and old and inefficient building".
The HQ was designed by Sam Stephenson and Arthur Gibney, both of whom died in 2006. Part of a Georgian terrace was demolished to make way for it. In 2005, the ESB painted its facade pink, to criticism from the architectural community.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Planners veto Treasury's plans for Spencer Dock hotel
Plans for a €300m 35-storey hotel next to Convention Centre Dublin in Spencer Dock have been turned down by An Bord Pleanála. The Shay Cleary Architect-designed building was to have 440-bedrooms and was expected to be operated by Mariott's Ritz Carlton.
"We have just received the decision from An Bord Pleanála and we will studying their report," said Dermod Dwyer, chairman of Convention Centre Dublin. "However, we still remain very confident for the development of an outstanding iconic hotel in the docklands which would complement the conference centre complex in Spencer Dock. We are sure the new planning framework for the docklands will allow an opportunity to submit a new plan."
There is already planning permission for a smaller hotel on the site.
Convention Centre Dublin was designed by Kevin Roche, Ireland's best-known architect, and is the first building designed by him to be built in Ireland. It is due to open next year. Other projects by the award-winning architect include Banco Santander's office complex in Spain, partly owned by property syndicator Derek Quinlan, and the Ford Foundation headquarters in New York.
Convention Centre Dublin is being developed under a public private partnership. Treasury Holdings, the property company owned by Johnny Ronan and Richard Barrett, set up a company called Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin which provided the site, designed, financed and is building the national conference centre.
Sunday Tribune
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"We have just received the decision from An Bord Pleanála and we will studying their report," said Dermod Dwyer, chairman of Convention Centre Dublin. "However, we still remain very confident for the development of an outstanding iconic hotel in the docklands which would complement the conference centre complex in Spencer Dock. We are sure the new planning framework for the docklands will allow an opportunity to submit a new plan."
There is already planning permission for a smaller hotel on the site.
Convention Centre Dublin was designed by Kevin Roche, Ireland's best-known architect, and is the first building designed by him to be built in Ireland. It is due to open next year. Other projects by the award-winning architect include Banco Santander's office complex in Spain, partly owned by property syndicator Derek Quinlan, and the Ford Foundation headquarters in New York.
Convention Centre Dublin is being developed under a public private partnership. Treasury Holdings, the property company owned by Johnny Ronan and Richard Barrett, set up a company called Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin which provided the site, designed, financed and is building the national conference centre.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Developers raise a glass to rezoning in wicklow
Despite the severe downturn, leading developers are requesting rezonings for even more housing and retail centres in County Wicklow.
Gordon Ramsay at the launch of the Ritz Carlton hotel in Powerscourt in late 2007: Treasury Holdings, which developed the hotel, believes "tourist and visitor-related residential development" is important for the county
Property prices are falling faster than before, according to research from Sherry FitzGerald released last week – but that has not put off a number of well-known developers from recently making submissions in Wicklow seeking to have land rezoned for housing.
Treasury Holdings, the property development company owned by Johnny Ronan and Richard Barrett, said in relation to the Powerscourt estate that it "believed tourist and visitor-related residential development" was important for any integrated tourism development. Treasury, in partnership with landlords the Slazenger family, opened the luxurious Ritz Carlton hotel there in 2007.
Treasury is also involved in plans for an integrated tourism facility at the 370-acre Roundwood Park Demesne, 40 kilometres from Dublin. Treasury again said, "tourist and visitor-related residential development is essential to enabling the commercial viability of this type of product". The company also stated that it views Co Wicklow's current settlement strategy, which places restrictions on where people from outside the county can live, as "restrictive to the growth of
Wicklow, its economic development and the county's attraction as a place to live, work and invest".
Treasury added that there was potential at the western boundary of the demesne, where it meets the town, to develop low-density residential housing "bringing the two together as an integrated entity".
Meanwhile Real Estate Opportunities, which is managed and majority-owned by Treasury, owns more than 50 acres of land to the west of Enniskerry. The company wants the density of housing allowed on the site to be increased and also suggested it would be suitable for a neighbourhood centre so residents would not have to travel to Bray for services.
In a personal capacity, Ronan also made a submission in relation to 14.9 acres west of the N11 near Enniskerry. Part of the land has already been rezoned for medium-to-low residential development but Ronan wanted the option of residential development on part of the site earmarked for a hotel and for low-density housing in the central part of the site.
In Brittas Bay, Beacon Investments intends to make a future rezoning submission. In an initial observation, it said it wanted to further develop the "tourism product" at Ballynacarrig-Brittas Bay and examine the potential for "further expanding the village structure of Ballynacarrig" to provide for additional full-time residents.
Beacon Investments is a trading name that Companies Office records show is a partnership between developer David Agar and landowner George Tracey. Its properties include a 19-acre field, across the road from the 2.6 acre McDaniel's property – also in their ownership – which comprises a pub, restaurant, 10-bed hotel and eight townhouses. They also own the Bayview Holding Homes development.
Beacon is looking to develop an "integrated tourism facility" as well as the additional permanent residential housing. "We put it to the council that there is potential to further develop and expand the Brittas Bay tourist product," the submission states.
Bernard Doyle, a shareholder in the company behind Superquinn, owns the Brooklodge Hotel and Macreddin golf course in Aughrim together with his brothers Eoin and Evan. Their company Firefly Properties stated it was "committed to the expansion of the facilities currently provided at Brooklodge Hotel and Macreddin golf course". As part of their submission, the Doyles included a letter to them from the PGA European tour director of property and venue development David MacLaren stating that "a cursory glance at any financial model for modern golf courses will inform you that a substantial residential development is essential to provide the necessary funds to maintain the resort at the desirable level". The letter stated that their "ability to compete in the higher echelons is been (sic) significantly impaired by the seriously restricted range and number of accommodation options available".
MacLaren said that "the only secure way in the current difficult financial situation to continue to provide financial stability, is to develop a range of apartments and townhouses in Macreddin for sale to persons and companies, but which can be offered for rent individually or en bloc through the resort."
Firefly is asking the council to introduce a planning framework for the future development of the lands, setting out residential accommodation that would be developed "in association with the golf course or other tourism facilities".
Ayers Properties – owned by property company Ardawn Developments – has sought to amend the Newcastle Town Plan so that the 158 acres it owns around Blackditch House can be zoned for an integrated hotel, leisure and golf course facility.
"Due to the likely further increases in population in Newcastle and north Co Wicklow we contend that more land will be needed for recreational and leisure facilities," the submission states. There is currently an ad on Daft.ie offering Blackditch House for sale.
Ardawn is an unlisted public limited company that is headed up by former PwC partner Pat Shine. Others involved include former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Peter Murray, developer Seán Lyne, builder Brendan Fitzsimons and NCB director Greg Dilger.
The county manager said the development of a limited number of exceptionally high quality integrated tourism and recreational centres (ITRC) "at appropriate locations, particularly untraditional tourist locations, can have positive results in terms of realising the creation of new tourism products and in terms of promoting tourism growth". However, he also recommended that no reference should be made in the written statement to additional proposals for ITRCs and no additional land should be zoned for ITRC purposes.
Some other major developers also made submissions. The Cosgrave family made observations on design standard and densities for land around Bray while Cleary & Doyle Developments sought to have 31 acres in Ballymoney near Arklow rezoned for employment use. The land, currently unzoned, "does not represent a sustainable, efficient or appropriate use of the subject lands and is not consistent with national, regional and county planning policy".
Gerry Gannon's Gannon Homes meanwhile also made a submission in relation to nearly 150 acres south of Arklow. Gannon is seeking to have an additional 25 acres of the site rezoned.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Gordon Ramsay at the launch of the Ritz Carlton hotel in Powerscourt in late 2007: Treasury Holdings, which developed the hotel, believes "tourist and visitor-related residential development" is important for the county
Property prices are falling faster than before, according to research from Sherry FitzGerald released last week – but that has not put off a number of well-known developers from recently making submissions in Wicklow seeking to have land rezoned for housing.
Treasury Holdings, the property development company owned by Johnny Ronan and Richard Barrett, said in relation to the Powerscourt estate that it "believed tourist and visitor-related residential development" was important for any integrated tourism development. Treasury, in partnership with landlords the Slazenger family, opened the luxurious Ritz Carlton hotel there in 2007.
Treasury is also involved in plans for an integrated tourism facility at the 370-acre Roundwood Park Demesne, 40 kilometres from Dublin. Treasury again said, "tourist and visitor-related residential development is essential to enabling the commercial viability of this type of product". The company also stated that it views Co Wicklow's current settlement strategy, which places restrictions on where people from outside the county can live, as "restrictive to the growth of
Wicklow, its economic development and the county's attraction as a place to live, work and invest".
Treasury added that there was potential at the western boundary of the demesne, where it meets the town, to develop low-density residential housing "bringing the two together as an integrated entity".
Meanwhile Real Estate Opportunities, which is managed and majority-owned by Treasury, owns more than 50 acres of land to the west of Enniskerry. The company wants the density of housing allowed on the site to be increased and also suggested it would be suitable for a neighbourhood centre so residents would not have to travel to Bray for services.
In a personal capacity, Ronan also made a submission in relation to 14.9 acres west of the N11 near Enniskerry. Part of the land has already been rezoned for medium-to-low residential development but Ronan wanted the option of residential development on part of the site earmarked for a hotel and for low-density housing in the central part of the site.
In Brittas Bay, Beacon Investments intends to make a future rezoning submission. In an initial observation, it said it wanted to further develop the "tourism product" at Ballynacarrig-Brittas Bay and examine the potential for "further expanding the village structure of Ballynacarrig" to provide for additional full-time residents.
Beacon Investments is a trading name that Companies Office records show is a partnership between developer David Agar and landowner George Tracey. Its properties include a 19-acre field, across the road from the 2.6 acre McDaniel's property – also in their ownership – which comprises a pub, restaurant, 10-bed hotel and eight townhouses. They also own the Bayview Holding Homes development.
Beacon is looking to develop an "integrated tourism facility" as well as the additional permanent residential housing. "We put it to the council that there is potential to further develop and expand the Brittas Bay tourist product," the submission states.
Bernard Doyle, a shareholder in the company behind Superquinn, owns the Brooklodge Hotel and Macreddin golf course in Aughrim together with his brothers Eoin and Evan. Their company Firefly Properties stated it was "committed to the expansion of the facilities currently provided at Brooklodge Hotel and Macreddin golf course". As part of their submission, the Doyles included a letter to them from the PGA European tour director of property and venue development David MacLaren stating that "a cursory glance at any financial model for modern golf courses will inform you that a substantial residential development is essential to provide the necessary funds to maintain the resort at the desirable level". The letter stated that their "ability to compete in the higher echelons is been (sic) significantly impaired by the seriously restricted range and number of accommodation options available".
MacLaren said that "the only secure way in the current difficult financial situation to continue to provide financial stability, is to develop a range of apartments and townhouses in Macreddin for sale to persons and companies, but which can be offered for rent individually or en bloc through the resort."
Firefly is asking the council to introduce a planning framework for the future development of the lands, setting out residential accommodation that would be developed "in association with the golf course or other tourism facilities".
Ayers Properties – owned by property company Ardawn Developments – has sought to amend the Newcastle Town Plan so that the 158 acres it owns around Blackditch House can be zoned for an integrated hotel, leisure and golf course facility.
"Due to the likely further increases in population in Newcastle and north Co Wicklow we contend that more land will be needed for recreational and leisure facilities," the submission states. There is currently an ad on Daft.ie offering Blackditch House for sale.
Ardawn is an unlisted public limited company that is headed up by former PwC partner Pat Shine. Others involved include former Anglo Irish Bank chairman Peter Murray, developer Seán Lyne, builder Brendan Fitzsimons and NCB director Greg Dilger.
The county manager said the development of a limited number of exceptionally high quality integrated tourism and recreational centres (ITRC) "at appropriate locations, particularly untraditional tourist locations, can have positive results in terms of realising the creation of new tourism products and in terms of promoting tourism growth". However, he also recommended that no reference should be made in the written statement to additional proposals for ITRCs and no additional land should be zoned for ITRC purposes.
Some other major developers also made submissions. The Cosgrave family made observations on design standard and densities for land around Bray while Cleary & Doyle Developments sought to have 31 acres in Ballymoney near Arklow rezoned for employment use. The land, currently unzoned, "does not represent a sustainable, efficient or appropriate use of the subject lands and is not consistent with national, regional and county planning policy".
Gerry Gannon's Gannon Homes meanwhile also made a submission in relation to nearly 150 acres south of Arklow. Gannon is seeking to have an additional 25 acres of the site rezoned.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Pyrite shivers Ballymun timbers
Over 100 houses under construction as part of the regeneration of Ballymun in north Dublin are being tested for the presence of pyrite, a substance that when it reacts with water can expand and cause cracks in walls and floors.
Just last month, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd (BRL) announced its ambitious plans to build 5,000 houses to replace Ballymun Towers and apartment blocks will be delayed by at least two years after its funding was cut from €80m last year to €45m this year.
Mary Murphy, spokeswoman for BRL confirmed builder James Elliot Construction has started tests on 124 houses in Ballymun after suspicions were raised that the houses may be contaminated.
Murphy said the same builder started repair work this month on the newly built recreation centre in Ballymun which was confirmed as being contaminated with pyrite.
In the meantime, Elliot has constructed a temporary recreation centre at the back of the damaged building which is used by close to 1,000 residents every week.
The use of pyrite is currently the subject of a separate multimillion euro damages claim at the High Court. Menolly Homes and other developers are suing the Lagan group claiming around 750 houses it built have been structurally damaged after using pyrite-contaminated infill from a Lagan Group quarry in north Dublin.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Just last month, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd (BRL) announced its ambitious plans to build 5,000 houses to replace Ballymun Towers and apartment blocks will be delayed by at least two years after its funding was cut from €80m last year to €45m this year.
Mary Murphy, spokeswoman for BRL confirmed builder James Elliot Construction has started tests on 124 houses in Ballymun after suspicions were raised that the houses may be contaminated.
Murphy said the same builder started repair work this month on the newly built recreation centre in Ballymun which was confirmed as being contaminated with pyrite.
In the meantime, Elliot has constructed a temporary recreation centre at the back of the damaged building which is used by close to 1,000 residents every week.
The use of pyrite is currently the subject of a separate multimillion euro damages claim at the High Court. Menolly Homes and other developers are suing the Lagan group claiming around 750 houses it built have been structurally damaged after using pyrite-contaminated infill from a Lagan Group quarry in north Dublin.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Saga ends as developer wins go-ahead for helicopter pad
THE developer of Ireland’s tallest building has got the all-clear for a helicopter pad on his farm, ending a long-running planning saga.
An Bord Pleanála’s ruling in favour of the application from O’Flynn Construction boss, Michael O’Flynn, followed an appeal from his brother, Larry, who lives about 260 metres from the proposed development.
Michael O’Flynn applied to Cork County Council last year for permission to develop a 49sq m concrete paved area for use as a helicopter landing area for business activities and the operation of his Rockfield farm, in Kilcrea, near Ovens, west of Cork city.
It granted permission with restrictive conditions, including that:
n the helipad could only be used by an Agusta 109E helicopter;
n the helicopter should be in the sole ownership of the Michael O’Flynn;
n and all flights should be for private use only.
Larry O’Flynn appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála and included points about aircraft noise levels and frequency of flights.
He also submitted a list which recorded 78 flights in to Rockfield Farm over 40 weeks between May 2007 and February 2008.
Michael O’Flynn’s planning consultants, McCutcheon Mulcahy, responded and said certain points in the appeal were "unfounded allegations" and demonstrated that it was "vexatious and lacking in substance or foundation".
They said 78 flights over 10 months — an average of eight flights per month — can reasonably be described as "occasional" use of the proposed helipad.
They said the appeal is "based on the incorrect assumption that the flight path will be directly over the appellant’s house, whereas the aircraft will approach the landing area from the southwest or northeast".
And they said some flights will be related to Michael O’Flynn’s business as a developer, or as the owner of a stud farm.
In his report, An Bord Pleanála inspector Noel MacCann said some of the council’s conditions could not be effectively enforced without permanent on-site monitoring.
Restricting the pad’s use to a specific type of helicopter, and restricting flights for private use only, were "unduly restrictive", he said.
He said the planning consultants’ noise impact study dealt "comprehensively and satisfactorily" with noise issues and the previous pattern of usage "could be deemed to be infrequent and will not create serious injury to the amenities of the area".
The Bord accepted his report to grant permission, for three years, with revised conditions which allows an Agusta 109E, or another helicopter with the same noise characteristics, use the helipad while on private and/or business use associated with Michael O’Flynn’s house and stud farm.
Another condition states that the helicopter landing pad can only be used between 8am and 9pm.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
An Bord Pleanála’s ruling in favour of the application from O’Flynn Construction boss, Michael O’Flynn, followed an appeal from his brother, Larry, who lives about 260 metres from the proposed development.
Michael O’Flynn applied to Cork County Council last year for permission to develop a 49sq m concrete paved area for use as a helicopter landing area for business activities and the operation of his Rockfield farm, in Kilcrea, near Ovens, west of Cork city.
It granted permission with restrictive conditions, including that:
n the helipad could only be used by an Agusta 109E helicopter;
n the helicopter should be in the sole ownership of the Michael O’Flynn;
n and all flights should be for private use only.
Larry O’Flynn appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála and included points about aircraft noise levels and frequency of flights.
He also submitted a list which recorded 78 flights in to Rockfield Farm over 40 weeks between May 2007 and February 2008.
Michael O’Flynn’s planning consultants, McCutcheon Mulcahy, responded and said certain points in the appeal were "unfounded allegations" and demonstrated that it was "vexatious and lacking in substance or foundation".
They said 78 flights over 10 months — an average of eight flights per month — can reasonably be described as "occasional" use of the proposed helipad.
They said the appeal is "based on the incorrect assumption that the flight path will be directly over the appellant’s house, whereas the aircraft will approach the landing area from the southwest or northeast".
And they said some flights will be related to Michael O’Flynn’s business as a developer, or as the owner of a stud farm.
In his report, An Bord Pleanála inspector Noel MacCann said some of the council’s conditions could not be effectively enforced without permanent on-site monitoring.
Restricting the pad’s use to a specific type of helicopter, and restricting flights for private use only, were "unduly restrictive", he said.
He said the planning consultants’ noise impact study dealt "comprehensively and satisfactorily" with noise issues and the previous pattern of usage "could be deemed to be infrequent and will not create serious injury to the amenities of the area".
The Bord accepted his report to grant permission, for three years, with revised conditions which allows an Agusta 109E, or another helicopter with the same noise characteristics, use the helipad while on private and/or business use associated with Michael O’Flynn’s house and stud farm.
Another condition states that the helicopter landing pad can only be used between 8am and 9pm.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
No policy for Boyne site, says developer
LOUTH COUNTY Council has no planning policy relating to the historic Battle of the Boyne site, according to a developer who has been refused planning permission to build a 23-bedroom hotel on part of the site.
The council turned down plans by local businessman Gavin Collins to build the hotel with conference rooms at the bottom of King Williams Glen, a short walk from the Office of Public Works visitors’ centre. He also proposes to repair and reinstate a protected view of the battlesite, which is at the rear of the hotel.
Mr Collins has appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála. In his submission he says “there is no written policy in the Louth county development plan with regards to developments in the primary area of the battlefield”.
Neither, he says, were submissions made on the development plan by either the OPW or the Department of the Environment, and if there had been, they would “give guidance” to the council “as to the policy that is felt required”.
Despite this, objections to the development were made to the county council by three separate sections in the department as well as by the OPW and An Taisce.
The department said the hotel would be “situated at a critical location within the historical landscape of the Battle of the Boyne”.
The OPW opened a new visitors’ centre at the site last year and the department said the surrounding landscape and its connection to the site “needs significant further research and excavation to establish the full historical and cultural significance of the area”.
The department is currently surveying all battlefield sites in the country, including this, which, it said, “is one of the highest significance”, and until the survey is completed, “it would be inappropriate and premature to allow a large- scale commercial development of this nature at such an internationally significant location”.
An Taisce said that while there was “a range of legislation protecting archaeological, ecological, architectural heritage and landscape-sensitive sites in Ireland, there are no specific provisions relating to the protection of historic battlefields”. It said there was “no justification” for the suitability of the site for any development other than refurbishment of the existing small buildings on site for small-scale use.
However, support for the hotel has come from a number of bodies, including Fáilte Ireland.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The council turned down plans by local businessman Gavin Collins to build the hotel with conference rooms at the bottom of King Williams Glen, a short walk from the Office of Public Works visitors’ centre. He also proposes to repair and reinstate a protected view of the battlesite, which is at the rear of the hotel.
Mr Collins has appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála. In his submission he says “there is no written policy in the Louth county development plan with regards to developments in the primary area of the battlefield”.
Neither, he says, were submissions made on the development plan by either the OPW or the Department of the Environment, and if there had been, they would “give guidance” to the council “as to the policy that is felt required”.
Despite this, objections to the development were made to the county council by three separate sections in the department as well as by the OPW and An Taisce.
The department said the hotel would be “situated at a critical location within the historical landscape of the Battle of the Boyne”.
The OPW opened a new visitors’ centre at the site last year and the department said the surrounding landscape and its connection to the site “needs significant further research and excavation to establish the full historical and cultural significance of the area”.
The department is currently surveying all battlefield sites in the country, including this, which, it said, “is one of the highest significance”, and until the survey is completed, “it would be inappropriate and premature to allow a large- scale commercial development of this nature at such an internationally significant location”.
An Taisce said that while there was “a range of legislation protecting archaeological, ecological, architectural heritage and landscape-sensitive sites in Ireland, there are no specific provisions relating to the protection of historic battlefields”. It said there was “no justification” for the suitability of the site for any development other than refurbishment of the existing small buildings on site for small-scale use.
However, support for the hotel has come from a number of bodies, including Fáilte Ireland.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Dempsey supports cross-city underground
WORK COULD begin on two underground systems in Dublin next year, following support at the weekend by Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey for Iarnród Éireann’s proposed “Dart Underground” interconnector linking the city’s main stations.
Mr Dempsey last week came out in support of Metro North, just hours before the public inquiry for the project was told construction could begin as soon as early next year and be complete by 2015.
Yesterday the Minister declared strong support for Dart Underground, which is now to run from Inchicore via Heuston Station, the south inner-city and Pearse Street to the Docklands. Mr Dempsey remarked the State “can’t afford not to” proceed with the project.
Metro North is projected to cater for 35 million passengers when it opens. Dart Underground is predicted to treble existing capacity in the Dart and suburban network from a current 33 million passenger journeys per year to more than 100 million passengers.
Both are to be developed as public private partnerships.
The two underground systems are not inter-operable and will run on different gauge rails.
Spokesmen for the transport companies said yesterday this was not an issue, commenting that passengers would not care about the width between the wheels as long as they could connect easily from one system to another.
Tom Manning, of the Railway Procurement Agency, said passengers would be able to travel the entire rail network, as they could switch between Metro, Luas and Dart Underground at St Stephen’s Green, and between Metro and suburban rail at Drumcondra.
Barry Kenny of Irish Rail also stressed the “inter-connectivity” at St Stephen’s Green and Drumcondra, and added that mainline intercity rails would also be brought into the network at Heuston and Pearse.
Mr Kenny announced the extension of the proposed Dart Underground tunnel to Inchicore, which he said would dramatically reduce the impact of the tunnel’s development on existing rail services during the construction phase by avoiding the crucial Heuston area.
This would also cut down on property acquisition and offer potential for a new station at Inchicore.
The second high capacity Dart line through the heart of the city centre would facilitate services from Balbriggan or Howth to Inchicore or Hazelhatch and Maynooth to Bray or Greystones.
Crossing the city, Dart Underground would interchange with the Luas and Metro, enjoy capacity of up to 20 trains per hour, and dramatically increase frequency and capacity for commuters on the other Dart, Northern, Maynooth and Kildare lines.
Welcoming the revised proposals at the weekend, Mr Dempsey said: “Even in these difficult times I firmly believe in the importance of planning, and delivering quality public transport alternatives for the future. We can’t afford not to.
“The new Dart Underground is a critical piece of urban, regional and national infrastructure. It will make an enormous difference to thousands of people every day once it is in place.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Mr Dempsey last week came out in support of Metro North, just hours before the public inquiry for the project was told construction could begin as soon as early next year and be complete by 2015.
Yesterday the Minister declared strong support for Dart Underground, which is now to run from Inchicore via Heuston Station, the south inner-city and Pearse Street to the Docklands. Mr Dempsey remarked the State “can’t afford not to” proceed with the project.
Metro North is projected to cater for 35 million passengers when it opens. Dart Underground is predicted to treble existing capacity in the Dart and suburban network from a current 33 million passenger journeys per year to more than 100 million passengers.
Both are to be developed as public private partnerships.
The two underground systems are not inter-operable and will run on different gauge rails.
Spokesmen for the transport companies said yesterday this was not an issue, commenting that passengers would not care about the width between the wheels as long as they could connect easily from one system to another.
Tom Manning, of the Railway Procurement Agency, said passengers would be able to travel the entire rail network, as they could switch between Metro, Luas and Dart Underground at St Stephen’s Green, and between Metro and suburban rail at Drumcondra.
Barry Kenny of Irish Rail also stressed the “inter-connectivity” at St Stephen’s Green and Drumcondra, and added that mainline intercity rails would also be brought into the network at Heuston and Pearse.
Mr Kenny announced the extension of the proposed Dart Underground tunnel to Inchicore, which he said would dramatically reduce the impact of the tunnel’s development on existing rail services during the construction phase by avoiding the crucial Heuston area.
This would also cut down on property acquisition and offer potential for a new station at Inchicore.
The second high capacity Dart line through the heart of the city centre would facilitate services from Balbriggan or Howth to Inchicore or Hazelhatch and Maynooth to Bray or Greystones.
Crossing the city, Dart Underground would interchange with the Luas and Metro, enjoy capacity of up to 20 trains per hour, and dramatically increase frequency and capacity for commuters on the other Dart, Northern, Maynooth and Kildare lines.
Welcoming the revised proposals at the weekend, Mr Dempsey said: “Even in these difficult times I firmly believe in the importance of planning, and delivering quality public transport alternatives for the future. We can’t afford not to.
“The new Dart Underground is a critical piece of urban, regional and national infrastructure. It will make an enormous difference to thousands of people every day once it is in place.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 3 April 2009
Council billboard decision appealed
AN ASSERTION by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council that it does not require planning permission to erect up to 80 billboards of up to 16sq m on roadsides is to be referred to An Bord Pleanála.
Two deals involving an estimated €15 million are being finalised. Under the terms of the first deal, with Clear Channel, elected councillors have already approved some 60 bus-shelter panels. The council was to be paid €10 million over a 10-year period for the sites, but management has recently reduced the number of sites to 47.
Under a second deal, with the JC Decaux advertising agency, the council is proposing another 30 sites. Under proposals circulated to councillors in the last week, JC Decaux said it planned to “relocate trees” where they interfere with the view of a sign.The signs are to be placed across the council’s administrative area.
It is estimated the council could net some €15 million over 10 years from the deals. The council has said it will use the Clear Channel money in its amenities budget.
Asked for clarification on this issue, a spokeswoman for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said it was important to note that the planning proposals were still just proposals.But Blackrock councillor Ruairí Holohan said he was incensed by the proposed deals. Mr Holohan said he intended to oppose the deal at council level while his Green Party colleague Ciarán Cuffe said he would refer the issue to An Bord Pleanála to determine if the scheme was in fact exempt from the need for planning permission.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Two deals involving an estimated €15 million are being finalised. Under the terms of the first deal, with Clear Channel, elected councillors have already approved some 60 bus-shelter panels. The council was to be paid €10 million over a 10-year period for the sites, but management has recently reduced the number of sites to 47.
Under a second deal, with the JC Decaux advertising agency, the council is proposing another 30 sites. Under proposals circulated to councillors in the last week, JC Decaux said it planned to “relocate trees” where they interfere with the view of a sign.The signs are to be placed across the council’s administrative area.
It is estimated the council could net some €15 million over 10 years from the deals. The council has said it will use the Clear Channel money in its amenities budget.
Asked for clarification on this issue, a spokeswoman for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said it was important to note that the planning proposals were still just proposals.But Blackrock councillor Ruairí Holohan said he was incensed by the proposed deals. Mr Holohan said he intended to oppose the deal at council level while his Green Party colleague Ciarán Cuffe said he would refer the issue to An Bord Pleanála to determine if the scheme was in fact exempt from the need for planning permission.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
EPA calls for move to low-carbon economy
ECONOMIC RECOVERY when it comes must involve Ireland developing a low-carbon “smart, green economy”, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said yesterday.
Launching the agency’s annual highlights for 2008, EPA director general Dr Mary Kelly said the environment was “an asset under threat” and early warnings about the potentially catastrophic effects of climate change “must be heeded”.
While she said there was little indication of the scale of the economic crisis the world was facing in early 2008, Dr Kelly warned that the economic crisis was now coinciding “with a climate-change crisis and an ecosystems crisis”.
She said the State investment in environmental infrastructure must now be given priority to ensure Ireland “in the first instance catches up to European norms in key areas like waste-water treatment and the provision of good-quality drinking water to all consumers”.
Dr Kelly said “fundamental change” was required to ensure that economic recovery was based on low-carbon, sustainable principles.
She said there were clearly many economic and social advantages in developing a green economy.
She claimed Ireland had a real opportunity to become a world leader in renewable energies and to position itself as a net exporter of energy in years to come.
Looking at the highlights of 2008, she said the agency’s fourth, state-of-the-environment report, Ireland’s Environment 2008, was undoubtedly a flagship report.
The report detailed the four main environmental challenges for Ireland. They are:
- Limiting and adapting to climate change;
- Reversing environmental degradation – particularly in relation to water pollution and the conservation status of habitats;
- Mainstreaming environmental considerations across all sectors of the economy;
- Complying with environmental legislation and agreements.
As part of its research programme, the EPA has also been working with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and Teagasc on the development of a new way of forecasting how economic and social developments will affect the environment.
Called the ISus project – for Irish sustainable development model – it allows the agency to predict the impact of future developments on the production of waste and the generation of potentially polluting substances such as acidifying gases and greenhouse gases.
The year 2008 was also a significant year for water protection and management, with the first full year’s supervision of the production of drinking water and the introduction of licensing for sewage discharges.
Other significant events were the granting of a waste licence to Dublin City Council for an incinerator, and the taking of 20 prosecutions at District Court level.
The publication of a National Hazardous Waste Management Plan was also completed in 2008.
This plan made 29 recommendations that, when implemented, will reduce the generation of hazardous waste and ensure that all hazardous waste is collected and managed appropriately.
It will also increase Ireland’s self-sufficiency in hazardous waste management, and deal with the legacy and contamination of past practices involving hazardous materials.
The EPA also highlighted the difficulties facing Ireland in relation to meeting the targets for diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill and set out a number of options for dealing with the issue.
This will be a major issue for Ireland in the coming years, according to the agency.
EPA: Priorities
Environmental Protection Agency priorities in 2009 will include:
- ensuring economic difficulties faced by environmental licence holders do not result in environmental damage;
- implementing the Hazardous Waste Management Plan;
- continuing water management and protection;
- the development of a risk assessment tool for old dumps;
- the publication of a large biodiversity project AgBiota;
- publication of a National Waste Report, among others;
- ensuring infrastructure is developed for biodegradable waste;
- continuing research into environmental technologies in relation the the ’smart, green economy’;
- ensuring economic recovery is environmentally sustainable;
- fostering environmental research and innovation
- continuing research and advice on climate change
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Launching the agency’s annual highlights for 2008, EPA director general Dr Mary Kelly said the environment was “an asset under threat” and early warnings about the potentially catastrophic effects of climate change “must be heeded”.
While she said there was little indication of the scale of the economic crisis the world was facing in early 2008, Dr Kelly warned that the economic crisis was now coinciding “with a climate-change crisis and an ecosystems crisis”.
She said the State investment in environmental infrastructure must now be given priority to ensure Ireland “in the first instance catches up to European norms in key areas like waste-water treatment and the provision of good-quality drinking water to all consumers”.
Dr Kelly said “fundamental change” was required to ensure that economic recovery was based on low-carbon, sustainable principles.
She said there were clearly many economic and social advantages in developing a green economy.
She claimed Ireland had a real opportunity to become a world leader in renewable energies and to position itself as a net exporter of energy in years to come.
Looking at the highlights of 2008, she said the agency’s fourth, state-of-the-environment report, Ireland’s Environment 2008, was undoubtedly a flagship report.
The report detailed the four main environmental challenges for Ireland. They are:
- Limiting and adapting to climate change;
- Reversing environmental degradation – particularly in relation to water pollution and the conservation status of habitats;
- Mainstreaming environmental considerations across all sectors of the economy;
- Complying with environmental legislation and agreements.
As part of its research programme, the EPA has also been working with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and Teagasc on the development of a new way of forecasting how economic and social developments will affect the environment.
Called the ISus project – for Irish sustainable development model – it allows the agency to predict the impact of future developments on the production of waste and the generation of potentially polluting substances such as acidifying gases and greenhouse gases.
The year 2008 was also a significant year for water protection and management, with the first full year’s supervision of the production of drinking water and the introduction of licensing for sewage discharges.
Other significant events were the granting of a waste licence to Dublin City Council for an incinerator, and the taking of 20 prosecutions at District Court level.
The publication of a National Hazardous Waste Management Plan was also completed in 2008.
This plan made 29 recommendations that, when implemented, will reduce the generation of hazardous waste and ensure that all hazardous waste is collected and managed appropriately.
It will also increase Ireland’s self-sufficiency in hazardous waste management, and deal with the legacy and contamination of past practices involving hazardous materials.
The EPA also highlighted the difficulties facing Ireland in relation to meeting the targets for diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill and set out a number of options for dealing with the issue.
This will be a major issue for Ireland in the coming years, according to the agency.
EPA: Priorities
Environmental Protection Agency priorities in 2009 will include:
- ensuring economic difficulties faced by environmental licence holders do not result in environmental damage;
- implementing the Hazardous Waste Management Plan;
- continuing water management and protection;
- the development of a risk assessment tool for old dumps;
- the publication of a large biodiversity project AgBiota;
- publication of a National Waste Report, among others;
- ensuring infrastructure is developed for biodegradable waste;
- continuing research into environmental technologies in relation the the ’smart, green economy’;
- ensuring economic recovery is environmentally sustainable;
- fostering environmental research and innovation
- continuing research and advice on climate change
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 2 April 2009
McVerry Trust benefits from planning advice service
BPS PLANNING CONSULTANTS from Wicklow Town have teamed up with the Peter McVerry Trust to launch a joint-pilot initiative providing free planning advice clinics to members of the public.
The fundraising initiative will provide free, impartial advice from fully qualified and experienced town planners on all planning issues. All that is asked in return is that you provide a charitable donation of your choice to the Peter McVerry Trust.
The trust is committed to reducing the effects of homelessness, drug misuse and social disadvantage among young people. The trust established by Fr. Peter McVerry also provides a range of vital services.
Fr. McVerry already feels the joint initiative between bps and the Trust will prove beneficial to both the charity and those needing planning advice.
'The planning system has grown very complicated and has sidelined many in the community who don't know how to or can't afford to obtain the right advice. This initiative aims to provide free planning advice on a wide range of planning issues that affect individuals, families and small businesses, many of whom are struggling at this time,' says Fr. McVerry.
'This scheme will raise much needed funds for the trust and all the money raised will go directly to helping the most disadvantaged,' he adds.
The initiative is something bps have been considering for some time and now Tony Buck, Brendan Buck and Michelle Moloney will all be available to pass on their expert advice.
Many members of the public simply don't understand the complexities of many planning issues. The planning aid clinics will answer any planning questions, from what needs planning permission to how to apply for planning permission.
Planning consultant Brendan Buck explains, 'the planning system is complex but we can help to explain the complexities to anyone who asks. This initiative aims to show that planning isn't just fr property developers. these planning aid clinics will begin to address the disadvantages some feel when confronted by the planning system. And at the same time important donations will be raised for the trust.'
The clinics will initially takes place on Fridays for an eight week run starting on April 17. In order to book one of the half hour appointments just phone (0404) 66060 to get through to bps. The clinics will be located at their office at 3 Wentworth Place, Wicklow town. You can also email to admin@buckplanning.ie or log on to www.buckplanning.ie
The Peter McVerry Trust head office is situated at 29 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1. Ring (01) 8230776 for further any further information you may require.
Myles BUCHANAN
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
The fundraising initiative will provide free, impartial advice from fully qualified and experienced town planners on all planning issues. All that is asked in return is that you provide a charitable donation of your choice to the Peter McVerry Trust.
The trust is committed to reducing the effects of homelessness, drug misuse and social disadvantage among young people. The trust established by Fr. Peter McVerry also provides a range of vital services.
Fr. McVerry already feels the joint initiative between bps and the Trust will prove beneficial to both the charity and those needing planning advice.
'The planning system has grown very complicated and has sidelined many in the community who don't know how to or can't afford to obtain the right advice. This initiative aims to provide free planning advice on a wide range of planning issues that affect individuals, families and small businesses, many of whom are struggling at this time,' says Fr. McVerry.
'This scheme will raise much needed funds for the trust and all the money raised will go directly to helping the most disadvantaged,' he adds.
The initiative is something bps have been considering for some time and now Tony Buck, Brendan Buck and Michelle Moloney will all be available to pass on their expert advice.
Many members of the public simply don't understand the complexities of many planning issues. The planning aid clinics will answer any planning questions, from what needs planning permission to how to apply for planning permission.
Planning consultant Brendan Buck explains, 'the planning system is complex but we can help to explain the complexities to anyone who asks. This initiative aims to show that planning isn't just fr property developers. these planning aid clinics will begin to address the disadvantages some feel when confronted by the planning system. And at the same time important donations will be raised for the trust.'
The clinics will initially takes place on Fridays for an eight week run starting on April 17. In order to book one of the half hour appointments just phone (0404) 66060 to get through to bps. The clinics will be located at their office at 3 Wentworth Place, Wicklow town. You can also email to admin@buckplanning.ie or log on to www.buckplanning.ie
The Peter McVerry Trust head office is situated at 29 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1. Ring (01) 8230776 for further any further information you may require.
Myles BUCHANAN
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
Homes approved on ground where 310 people died
PERMISSION has been granted for the construction of three houses on the Weston Close site where over 300 hundred people were massacred and then buried in the 1600s, much to the disgust of locals who opposed the plans.
However, far from taking the decision lying down, the residents and Cllr. Eamonn Long are already putting together an appeal which will be lodged with An Bord Pleanála.
Dara O'Reilly grew up on the nearby Kilmantin Road and lodged a submission to the town council planning department on behalf of her 78-yearold mother who still lives in the area.
She says the sense of disbelief over the Council's decision to give the development the thumbs up is widespread. 'Everyone on the road objected. There are a number of issues but the historical nature of the site is definitely one. It's a burial ground. The plans say if any remains are found they will be buried at the back of the houses and that's just disrespectful.' Residents also wonder if the Council's decision to grant planning permission was at all swayed by the fact that one of the conditions includes the developer contributing €7,500 toward the port access and town relief road.
It is believed that 310 locals were massacred in 1641 by British troops and then buried somewhere in the area. The original construction of the houses in Weston Close in the early '90s had to be halted for a period when a local man found some remains while out with a metal detector.
Myles BUCHANAN
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
However, far from taking the decision lying down, the residents and Cllr. Eamonn Long are already putting together an appeal which will be lodged with An Bord Pleanála.
Dara O'Reilly grew up on the nearby Kilmantin Road and lodged a submission to the town council planning department on behalf of her 78-yearold mother who still lives in the area.
She says the sense of disbelief over the Council's decision to give the development the thumbs up is widespread. 'Everyone on the road objected. There are a number of issues but the historical nature of the site is definitely one. It's a burial ground. The plans say if any remains are found they will be buried at the back of the houses and that's just disrespectful.' Residents also wonder if the Council's decision to grant planning permission was at all swayed by the fact that one of the conditions includes the developer contributing €7,500 toward the port access and town relief road.
It is believed that 310 locals were massacred in 1641 by British troops and then buried somewhere in the area. The original construction of the houses in Weston Close in the early '90s had to be halted for a period when a local man found some remains while out with a metal detector.
Myles BUCHANAN
Wicklow People
www.buckplanning.ie
New Ross: a classic case of imposed vertical fiscal imbalance.
This article, submitted by Tim Ryan, considers current planning and local government problems facing New Ross.
Like all Town Councils in the country, New Ross struggles for income from the restricted sources available. But, in New Ross, access to funds it should have by right, through commercial rates, are denied to it by surrounding local authorities.
'Ross deals with two county councils: Wexford and Kilkenny. Most of the town is in Wexford, while part is in Kilkenny. The Kilkenny part is delineated by straight lines drawn on the map.
In fact, there are several boundaries, including: the fiscal boundary, the electoral boundary (a long way outside the fiscal boundary), the administration of services boundary, and the planning boundary.
In the case of the planning boundary, the Town Council plays little or no part, as virtually all planning matters are dealt with by Wexford County Council. Wexford even oversees the compiling of the ‘New Ross and Environs Development Plan’.
Here we have a town which cannot plan its future in any meaningful sense. Its retail core contains vacant shop units due to the granting by Wexford County Council of retail developments in a ‘donut’ around the town. Thus, the town’s income is shrinking. The result is that it cannot fund the services that it should be providing (vertical fiscal imbalance).
The solutions for a Town Council in these circumstances are few. The amount of Government grant aid is pegged at a limit and the income plus grant shortfall is supposed to be met by variations in the rates (always upwards), but this gets out of hand when the number of premises actually operating and therefore capable of paying is shrinking and where the increased burden is thrust onto the sole commercial survivors.
Wexford Borough Council managed recently (2008) to expand its boundaries and has seen great improvement in its ability to balance its budget but it took nearly 10 years to get the boundaries moved!
Wexford County Council (and Kilkenny) would justify their strategy of placing the new industrial estates and retail parks outside the towns in many ways but the most important justification for them is again financial: “anywhere as long as it makes money for us”.
This I expect is a planner's nightmare.
The benefit to the townspeople of big new stores with often far lower prices than they had with the original tight clique of shopkeepers in such provincial towns cannot be denied nor can the greatly enhanced variety of goods available but – only if you have four wheels.
In 'Ross the Tesco is at the top of the town and 'Ross is built along the line of the ridge of the Barrow Valley and the roads down the ridge into the town slope steeply as they drop over 50m from the Ring Road to the Quays. Walking to Tesco's is not an option for over 90% of the townspeople.
The Town Council is thus forced to look on as its fate is decided by the demands of the county councils and is unable to alter matters for its own benefit. As times get harder, as it appears they will for a while, the people of the town look to the council to promote the town in order to bring at least some business to the place but, with the scenario described, it is a seemingly impossible task.
Just exactly how can a town expand its boundaries? How long should it take? How liable are Councillors if a Town Council fails financially?
There are stratagems that can be employed to at least force the issue before the Government and it can be predicted that a number of Councils may soon resort to various desperate measures to breach the 2001 Local Government Act and force a more town-based approach to local government.
The amount of time the expansion process takes is disastrously too long at present and the process has to be capable of being fast-tracked.
One of the factors that will force the issue is the realisation by certain councillors that they are liable if they accept certain budgets that clearly cannot be met.
Historically, towns were never beholden to the counties and indeed it would always have been counter-productive if they were: nothing is different now.
If we want to have healthy, productive and lively towns they must have “lebensraum”. Contrary to the propaganda connotations of that word it was the denial of living space that in fact caused the problem: not the acquisition.
Please forward any feedback to: Tim Ryan C.Eng MIEI c/o admin@buckplanning.ie.
Like all Town Councils in the country, New Ross struggles for income from the restricted sources available. But, in New Ross, access to funds it should have by right, through commercial rates, are denied to it by surrounding local authorities.
'Ross deals with two county councils: Wexford and Kilkenny. Most of the town is in Wexford, while part is in Kilkenny. The Kilkenny part is delineated by straight lines drawn on the map.
In fact, there are several boundaries, including: the fiscal boundary, the electoral boundary (a long way outside the fiscal boundary), the administration of services boundary, and the planning boundary.
In the case of the planning boundary, the Town Council plays little or no part, as virtually all planning matters are dealt with by Wexford County Council. Wexford even oversees the compiling of the ‘New Ross and Environs Development Plan’.
Here we have a town which cannot plan its future in any meaningful sense. Its retail core contains vacant shop units due to the granting by Wexford County Council of retail developments in a ‘donut’ around the town. Thus, the town’s income is shrinking. The result is that it cannot fund the services that it should be providing (vertical fiscal imbalance).
The solutions for a Town Council in these circumstances are few. The amount of Government grant aid is pegged at a limit and the income plus grant shortfall is supposed to be met by variations in the rates (always upwards), but this gets out of hand when the number of premises actually operating and therefore capable of paying is shrinking and where the increased burden is thrust onto the sole commercial survivors.
Wexford Borough Council managed recently (2008) to expand its boundaries and has seen great improvement in its ability to balance its budget but it took nearly 10 years to get the boundaries moved!
Wexford County Council (and Kilkenny) would justify their strategy of placing the new industrial estates and retail parks outside the towns in many ways but the most important justification for them is again financial: “anywhere as long as it makes money for us”.
This I expect is a planner's nightmare.
The benefit to the townspeople of big new stores with often far lower prices than they had with the original tight clique of shopkeepers in such provincial towns cannot be denied nor can the greatly enhanced variety of goods available but – only if you have four wheels.
In 'Ross the Tesco is at the top of the town and 'Ross is built along the line of the ridge of the Barrow Valley and the roads down the ridge into the town slope steeply as they drop over 50m from the Ring Road to the Quays. Walking to Tesco's is not an option for over 90% of the townspeople.
The Town Council is thus forced to look on as its fate is decided by the demands of the county councils and is unable to alter matters for its own benefit. As times get harder, as it appears they will for a while, the people of the town look to the council to promote the town in order to bring at least some business to the place but, with the scenario described, it is a seemingly impossible task.
Just exactly how can a town expand its boundaries? How long should it take? How liable are Councillors if a Town Council fails financially?
There are stratagems that can be employed to at least force the issue before the Government and it can be predicted that a number of Councils may soon resort to various desperate measures to breach the 2001 Local Government Act and force a more town-based approach to local government.
The amount of time the expansion process takes is disastrously too long at present and the process has to be capable of being fast-tracked.
One of the factors that will force the issue is the realisation by certain councillors that they are liable if they accept certain budgets that clearly cannot be met.
Historically, towns were never beholden to the counties and indeed it would always have been counter-productive if they were: nothing is different now.
If we want to have healthy, productive and lively towns they must have “lebensraum”. Contrary to the propaganda connotations of that word it was the denial of living space that in fact caused the problem: not the acquisition.
Please forward any feedback to: Tim Ryan C.Eng MIEI c/o admin@buckplanning.ie.
Metro hearing told of further traffic restrictions
Further restrictions on private cars in Dublin city during the building of Metro North were outlined at the opening of the Bord Pleanála into the multi-billion euro project in Dublin this morning.
Addressing the inquiry on the subject of traffic management during the five-year construction period, James Connolly SC for the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) said cars would be prevented from turning right onto O’Connell Bridge from Bachelors Walk. He also said cars would be prevented from turning right from O’Connell Bridge onto Eden Quay.
These restrictions are to be in addition to the plans for a "bus gate" at College Green which would prevent private vehicles moving from Dame Street to the O’Connell Street area.
Two lanes of traffic in each direction would be maintained in O’Connell Street while a new public transport bridge would be provided east of O’Connell Bridge, linking Hawkins Street and Marlborough Street.
The inquiry heard the traffic management plan would result in a decrease in average morning peak journey times through the city centre by about 8.3 per cent, but would actually improve the average bus speeds by one per cent.
The inquiry before senior Bord Pleanala inspector Kevin Moore also heard construction of the 18 kilometre route would create 4,000 direct jobs and a further 2,000 indirectly. The line from St Stephens Green via Dublin Airport to Belinstown north of Swords would have 17 stops, nine of which will be underground.
The planned metro also received a boost from Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey yesterday when expressed strong support for the project at a business seminar organised by Fingal County Council.
Mr Dempsey said accused economic commentators of making “ill-informed” and “ignorant” statements, he said he would be recommending to cabinet colleagues that the project be approved, despite the downturn.
“There has been a lot of ill-informed comment. I’m not sure where all the negativity comes from. We are in difficult times, there’s no doubt about that, and tough decisions have to be made. While we deal with those current realities we have to realise there will be a future, we have to develop a sustainable framework for transport.
“We can’t continue to have ever-expanding urban sprawl, that will only result in longer commutes. The patterns of settlement and trip making have continued to rely on the private car” he said.
The Minister also revealed average journey times are in the order of 81 minutes from Swords to the city centre. City centre to Ballymun would be 61 minutes. “It’s unsustainable socially, economically and from an environmental and health point of view,” he said.
“The case for Metro North doesn’t depend on future growth. It’s in large part a response to growth which has already taken place.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Addressing the inquiry on the subject of traffic management during the five-year construction period, James Connolly SC for the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) said cars would be prevented from turning right onto O’Connell Bridge from Bachelors Walk. He also said cars would be prevented from turning right from O’Connell Bridge onto Eden Quay.
These restrictions are to be in addition to the plans for a "bus gate" at College Green which would prevent private vehicles moving from Dame Street to the O’Connell Street area.
Two lanes of traffic in each direction would be maintained in O’Connell Street while a new public transport bridge would be provided east of O’Connell Bridge, linking Hawkins Street and Marlborough Street.
The inquiry heard the traffic management plan would result in a decrease in average morning peak journey times through the city centre by about 8.3 per cent, but would actually improve the average bus speeds by one per cent.
The inquiry before senior Bord Pleanala inspector Kevin Moore also heard construction of the 18 kilometre route would create 4,000 direct jobs and a further 2,000 indirectly. The line from St Stephens Green via Dublin Airport to Belinstown north of Swords would have 17 stops, nine of which will be underground.
The planned metro also received a boost from Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey yesterday when expressed strong support for the project at a business seminar organised by Fingal County Council.
Mr Dempsey said accused economic commentators of making “ill-informed” and “ignorant” statements, he said he would be recommending to cabinet colleagues that the project be approved, despite the downturn.
“There has been a lot of ill-informed comment. I’m not sure where all the negativity comes from. We are in difficult times, there’s no doubt about that, and tough decisions have to be made. While we deal with those current realities we have to realise there will be a future, we have to develop a sustainable framework for transport.
“We can’t continue to have ever-expanding urban sprawl, that will only result in longer commutes. The patterns of settlement and trip making have continued to rely on the private car” he said.
The Minister also revealed average journey times are in the order of 81 minutes from Swords to the city centre. City centre to Ballymun would be 61 minutes. “It’s unsustainable socially, economically and from an environmental and health point of view,” he said.
“The case for Metro North doesn’t depend on future growth. It’s in large part a response to growth which has already taken place.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
€47m village for deaf people planned for Cabra
A €47 MILLION plan is under way to develop a community village for deaf people off the Navan Road in Cabra.
The “Deaf Village” will provide a range of administrative, residential, social and sporting facilities. It includes offices, an auditorium, café and shop, chapel, deaf heritage centre, school and education centre, residential space for retired deaf adults as well as day pupils at the two schools, and a swimming pool. When complete, the village will employ 150.
The plan is being spearheaded by the Catholic Institute for Deaf People (CIDP), which runs two deaf schools in Cabra and a residential home for older and vulnerable deaf adults in Stillorgan. It also owned the St Vincent’s Deaf Centre on Lower Drumcondra Road which was sold last year for around €15 million to the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), which is to use it for the Metro North line.
Liam O’Dwyer, chief executive of the CIDP, said that at around the same time that the village idea was suggested, it was approached by the RPA with regards to St Vincent’s. “They made it clear that if CIDP was not interested in selling then a CPO would have to be put on the building, as it was central to their plans for the new metro,” said O’Dwyer.
CIDP owned a number of sites in the Cabra area that could have housed the deaf village. “The idea is that the deaf community would have best-of-kind facilities around sports, community development, education, socialisation and administration, and independent living,” says O’Dwyer.
It is hoped to start work on the plan in three phases beginning in March 2010. Construction will take between five and seven years.
O’Dwyer was appointed by the CIDP in January 2008 to oversee the project. CIDP has brought on board up to 15 deaf groups to be part of the village, including Deafhear, the Irish Deaf Society, the Irish Deaf Sports Association and the Dublin Deaf Association. Five committees have been set up to oversee aspects of the project.
“The biggest challenge is to ensure that the deaf community are comfortable with the development, because this is not about CIDP,” says O’Dwyer. “This is about the deaf community, and the deaf community developing itself, and making certain it has access to the types of facilities and supports that will enable deaf people be what they want to be into the future.”
CIDP has appointed WK Nowlan Company as property and project advisors, while O’Mahoney Pike has been chosen as the architects.
In addition to the €15 million from the St Vincent’s sale, CIDP plans to raise funds by approaching the Government about grants as well as moving its existing facilities to the village site. It also hopes to approach private sources for funding. But the fall in property values and the recession has raised the possibility of having to sell off more land around the village site than originally intended. Already the CIDP has been forced to delay the third phase of the project. Having to sell land that could form part of the future expansion of the village and the deaf schools has alarmed some members of the deaf community.
“The deaf community has a strong association with Cabra,” says O’Dwyer. “Cabra has always been the home of the schools. And it’s for that reason that the community would prefer that no further lands were sold in Cabra. And our intention is not to sell them unless we really have to.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The “Deaf Village” will provide a range of administrative, residential, social and sporting facilities. It includes offices, an auditorium, café and shop, chapel, deaf heritage centre, school and education centre, residential space for retired deaf adults as well as day pupils at the two schools, and a swimming pool. When complete, the village will employ 150.
The plan is being spearheaded by the Catholic Institute for Deaf People (CIDP), which runs two deaf schools in Cabra and a residential home for older and vulnerable deaf adults in Stillorgan. It also owned the St Vincent’s Deaf Centre on Lower Drumcondra Road which was sold last year for around €15 million to the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA), which is to use it for the Metro North line.
Liam O’Dwyer, chief executive of the CIDP, said that at around the same time that the village idea was suggested, it was approached by the RPA with regards to St Vincent’s. “They made it clear that if CIDP was not interested in selling then a CPO would have to be put on the building, as it was central to their plans for the new metro,” said O’Dwyer.
CIDP owned a number of sites in the Cabra area that could have housed the deaf village. “The idea is that the deaf community would have best-of-kind facilities around sports, community development, education, socialisation and administration, and independent living,” says O’Dwyer.
It is hoped to start work on the plan in three phases beginning in March 2010. Construction will take between five and seven years.
O’Dwyer was appointed by the CIDP in January 2008 to oversee the project. CIDP has brought on board up to 15 deaf groups to be part of the village, including Deafhear, the Irish Deaf Society, the Irish Deaf Sports Association and the Dublin Deaf Association. Five committees have been set up to oversee aspects of the project.
“The biggest challenge is to ensure that the deaf community are comfortable with the development, because this is not about CIDP,” says O’Dwyer. “This is about the deaf community, and the deaf community developing itself, and making certain it has access to the types of facilities and supports that will enable deaf people be what they want to be into the future.”
CIDP has appointed WK Nowlan Company as property and project advisors, while O’Mahoney Pike has been chosen as the architects.
In addition to the €15 million from the St Vincent’s sale, CIDP plans to raise funds by approaching the Government about grants as well as moving its existing facilities to the village site. It also hopes to approach private sources for funding. But the fall in property values and the recession has raised the possibility of having to sell off more land around the village site than originally intended. Already the CIDP has been forced to delay the third phase of the project. Having to sell land that could form part of the future expansion of the village and the deaf schools has alarmed some members of the deaf community.
“The deaf community has a strong association with Cabra,” says O’Dwyer. “Cabra has always been the home of the schools. And it’s for that reason that the community would prefer that no further lands were sold in Cabra. And our intention is not to sell them unless we really have to.”
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Dempsey critical of 'ignorant' suggestions metro be scrapped
MINISTER FOR Transport Noel Dempsey yesterday gave a boost to proposers of Metro North, criticising “ignorant” commentators who he said had suggested abandoning the plan.
Speaking at a business seminar in north Dublin just hours before the An Bord Pleanála inquiry into Metro North got under way in Croke Park, Mr Dempsey said: “I’ll be recommending it go ahead if it represents good value for the taxpayer.
“Every analysis, internal and external, says there is a very strong economic case.”
The Minister also said the employment involved in the project, some 4,000 direct and 2,000 indirect construction jobs, “has to be taken into any economic appraisal”.
The Minister’s comments closely echoed the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) submission to An Bord Pleanála that the project would support some 6,000 jobs during a five-year period and enhance economic prospects nationally.
Speaking in Croke Park yesterday for the RPA, James Connolly SC said the metro would represent “probably the biggest infrastructure project in the history of the State”. But he said construction would be accompanied by “the most comprehensive traffic management plan ever undertaken in the Dublin area”.
Mr Connolly said the plan would involve the installation of a “bus-only gate” at College Green, a ban on right turns from Bachelor’s Walk on to O’Connell Bridge and a similar ban on right turns for traffic from O’Connell Bridge to Eden Quay.
It would also require the installation of a new bridge across the Liffey from Hawkins Street to Marlborough Street. Documentation lodged with An Bord Pleanála also revealed some 150 bus stops in the city centre are to be relocated during construction.
Mr Connolly said the plan would be in place throughout the construction period, and would ensure that bus speeds across the city centre would actually increase during the morning peak services, by 1 per cent on average, it has been estimated.
Mr Connolly told the inquiry that statues on O’Connell Street, including the O’Connell monument and those of William Smith O’Brien and Jim Larkin, as well as that of Thomas Moore on College Street, will be relocated to Collins Barracks where they will be reassembled for public display.
Discussions had taken place with the Mater and Rotunda hospitals in relation to mitigation of vibration effects on the hospitals’ equipment, and the RPA was confident these issues could be resolved.
The RPA was also confident the depth of drilling for the tunnel sections would ensure there was no structural damage to property along the route.
Mr Connolly said the metro would involve an 18km route with 17 stops between St Stephen’s Green and Belinstown, north of Swords, including one at Dublin airport. Nine of the stops would be underground.
There would be 35 million passenger journeys on the metro in the first year, with the system having capacity for trains at two-minute intervals.
Chief executive of the RPA Frank Allen said the proposed metro would foster future economic growth but was not dependent upon it. Instead he said the metro was “in large part a response to development that has already taken place”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Speaking at a business seminar in north Dublin just hours before the An Bord Pleanála inquiry into Metro North got under way in Croke Park, Mr Dempsey said: “I’ll be recommending it go ahead if it represents good value for the taxpayer.
“Every analysis, internal and external, says there is a very strong economic case.”
The Minister also said the employment involved in the project, some 4,000 direct and 2,000 indirect construction jobs, “has to be taken into any economic appraisal”.
The Minister’s comments closely echoed the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) submission to An Bord Pleanála that the project would support some 6,000 jobs during a five-year period and enhance economic prospects nationally.
Speaking in Croke Park yesterday for the RPA, James Connolly SC said the metro would represent “probably the biggest infrastructure project in the history of the State”. But he said construction would be accompanied by “the most comprehensive traffic management plan ever undertaken in the Dublin area”.
Mr Connolly said the plan would involve the installation of a “bus-only gate” at College Green, a ban on right turns from Bachelor’s Walk on to O’Connell Bridge and a similar ban on right turns for traffic from O’Connell Bridge to Eden Quay.
It would also require the installation of a new bridge across the Liffey from Hawkins Street to Marlborough Street. Documentation lodged with An Bord Pleanála also revealed some 150 bus stops in the city centre are to be relocated during construction.
Mr Connolly said the plan would be in place throughout the construction period, and would ensure that bus speeds across the city centre would actually increase during the morning peak services, by 1 per cent on average, it has been estimated.
Mr Connolly told the inquiry that statues on O’Connell Street, including the O’Connell monument and those of William Smith O’Brien and Jim Larkin, as well as that of Thomas Moore on College Street, will be relocated to Collins Barracks where they will be reassembled for public display.
Discussions had taken place with the Mater and Rotunda hospitals in relation to mitigation of vibration effects on the hospitals’ equipment, and the RPA was confident these issues could be resolved.
The RPA was also confident the depth of drilling for the tunnel sections would ensure there was no structural damage to property along the route.
Mr Connolly said the metro would involve an 18km route with 17 stops between St Stephen’s Green and Belinstown, north of Swords, including one at Dublin airport. Nine of the stops would be underground.
There would be 35 million passenger journeys on the metro in the first year, with the system having capacity for trains at two-minute intervals.
Chief executive of the RPA Frank Allen said the proposed metro would foster future economic growth but was not dependent upon it. Instead he said the metro was “in large part a response to development that has already taken place”.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Rail system's future looks bright if we can get our finances back on right track
ON paper, it's a no-brainer.
A high-speed rail system linking Swords with St Stephen's Green in just 30 minutes, leading to the creation of at least 6,000 jobs at a time of mass unemployment.
Another 35,000 jobs for north Dublin when the project is delivered, congestion removed from the city centre and, finally, an integrated public transport system with links to DART, Luas and bus routes.
But despite Transport Minister Noel Dempsey's bullish comments yesterday on how it makes economic sense and should go ahead, the empty government coffers could result in an unhappy ending for the Metro North project.
The light-rail system is expected to cost at least €3.5bn, and will be built using the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, meaning the private sector will design, build and finance the project.
But with a global recession, money is hard to come by.
The downgrading of our credit rating earlier this week means Ireland is not best-placed to secure billions of euro in long-term loans for infrastructure -- especially as it will also be seeking billions to fund the DART underground tunnel in the coming years.
Banks are also reluctant to commit to long-term infrastructure projects, preferring less-risky projects with a quicker return.
But on the upside, there's never been a better time to build.
As the recession deepens, construction companies are crying out for work and will drop tender prices, a gesture not afforded at the height of the boom.
Construction
Jobs, particularly in construction, are badly needed and Metro North will provide 4,000 in construction and another 3,000 in companies providing services.
Overriding all this is that when the economy recovers, Dublin will need a decent public transport system to get people around or risk losing foreign direct investment.
Although things look bleak, the fact that the project is still only at the planning stage could be the godsend the Government needs.
Not until next year will final and best bids be received, meaning no decision has to be made in next Tuesday's Budget.
The Government intends paying off the system over 25 years, but could renegotiate and seek longer terms, which may cost more in the long term, but at least the project would be delivered.
Assuming the economic recovery plan goes well and banks consider Ireland less of a risk, this time next year, Metro North could face a much brighter future.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
A high-speed rail system linking Swords with St Stephen's Green in just 30 minutes, leading to the creation of at least 6,000 jobs at a time of mass unemployment.
Another 35,000 jobs for north Dublin when the project is delivered, congestion removed from the city centre and, finally, an integrated public transport system with links to DART, Luas and bus routes.
But despite Transport Minister Noel Dempsey's bullish comments yesterday on how it makes economic sense and should go ahead, the empty government coffers could result in an unhappy ending for the Metro North project.
The light-rail system is expected to cost at least €3.5bn, and will be built using the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, meaning the private sector will design, build and finance the project.
But with a global recession, money is hard to come by.
The downgrading of our credit rating earlier this week means Ireland is not best-placed to secure billions of euro in long-term loans for infrastructure -- especially as it will also be seeking billions to fund the DART underground tunnel in the coming years.
Banks are also reluctant to commit to long-term infrastructure projects, preferring less-risky projects with a quicker return.
But on the upside, there's never been a better time to build.
As the recession deepens, construction companies are crying out for work and will drop tender prices, a gesture not afforded at the height of the boom.
Construction
Jobs, particularly in construction, are badly needed and Metro North will provide 4,000 in construction and another 3,000 in companies providing services.
Overriding all this is that when the economy recovers, Dublin will need a decent public transport system to get people around or risk losing foreign direct investment.
Although things look bleak, the fact that the project is still only at the planning stage could be the godsend the Government needs.
Not until next year will final and best bids be received, meaning no decision has to be made in next Tuesday's Budget.
The Government intends paying off the system over 25 years, but could renegotiate and seek longer terms, which may cost more in the long term, but at least the project would be delivered.
Assuming the economic recovery plan goes well and banks consider Ireland less of a risk, this time next year, Metro North could face a much brighter future.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie