Developer seeks injunction against planning challenges to Killiney project

 

A developer is seeking a High Court injunction preventing several South County Dublin residents from bringing a legal challenge against a proposed development in Killiney. The injunction, which has been described as extraordinary and unique, is being sought by Atlas GP which is part of the Marlet group, that has secured planning permission to build 255 residential units and a childcare facility at Church Road in the South Dublin suburb of Killiney. The residents oppose the injunction, which they say amounts to an "abuse of process" and is an example of what is known as "strategic litigation against public participation". Eight residents, who live in properties located at Church Road and Watson Road in Killiney, are seeking to quash An Bord Pleanála's decision on 8 July. The decision gave Atlas the green light to construct the development, which has been deemed as Strategic Infrastructure Development. While the residents say they do not oppose development on the site, they claim the planning permission granted amounts to an over-development of the site. Their application for permission to bring a judicial review action against the Board and the State challenging against that permission is currently pending before the courts. Atlas, which is a notice party to the residents' action, have in separate proceedings sought orders including an injunction restraining the residents from taking any steps including making an application to the court. Atlas claims that the residents have broken what is known as the rules of champerty and maintenance, which means that a third party is supporting litigation without just cause or without having a legitimate interest in the action. Atlas also wants orders, including ones directing the residents to provide the names, addresses and a description of all persons it claims is funding the judicial review action. It says it has brought the proceedings after becoming aware last September of a flier, that it claims was widely circulated in the local community which it says was done with the clear purpose of motivating third parties to fund the legal costs of the challenge against the grant of planning permission. It also claims that it was defamed in the flier. Atlas, represented in court by Paul McGarry SC, instructed by Leman Solicitors, also claims that contrary to law the action is being funded by third parties, it should be granted the orders it seeks. In its action, Atlas further seeks damages and a declaration that opposition has been funded by third parties with no legitimate interest in the proceeding's contrary to law. Stephen Dodd SC, for the residents and instructed by solicitor Eoin Brady, claims the injunction was the first attempt before the Irish courts of what is known internationally as "strategic litigation against public participation" and prevents residents from exercising their right of access to the courts. His clients say that the court should not grant Atlas what would be an extraordinary injunction.

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