AN TAISCE has joined heritage campaigners in lodging an appeal against plans for a €150 million redevelopment of the Beamish and Crawford site in Cork.
The proposal, a joint venture by Heineken Ireland and Bam Construction, includes a 6,000-seat event centre, cinemas, retail, offices and student accommodation in seven buildings ranging in height from four to seven storeys, to be built on a four-acre riverside site at South Main Street.
In its appeal to An Bord Pleanála, An Taisce says elements of the design for the Brewery Quarter are “completely inappropriate”.
The conservation group says the proposed use of the iconic Counting House building is inappropriate, as are two design blocks fronting on to South Main Street.
It criticises the scale and design of the event centre as it is located in a “sensitive city centre location”. It also claims the provision of student accommodation in the immediate area is already well catered for.
The building height, which rises to seven storeys, prompts concerns given the precedent it might set for future development of the city centre.
Finally, the group says the plans fail to include a riverside amenity area for public use in the city centre.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label planning appeal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label planning appeal. Show all posts
Monday, 29 August 2011
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Tailor's Hall functions permit for An Taisce appealed
A CO LOUTH developer, whose plans for Dunleer have been thwarted three times by An Taisce appeals, is now appealing against a decision by Dublin City Council permitting the heritage body to continue holding functions at its Tailor’s Hall headquarters.
Tony Mallon, who is also chairman of the Dunleer community development board, made his appeal to An Bord Pleanála, claiming that the use of its basement for dancing and concerts would be “contrary to the proper planning and development of the area”.
Tailor’s Hall, on Back Lane off High Street, dates from 1706 and is the only surviving guild hall in the city. It has been the headquarters of An Taisce since the mid- 1980s and is regularly rented for functions, including weddings, parties and theatrical events.
However, it transpired that An Taisce had no planning permission for these uses of the stone-vaulted basement and had to seek retrospective approval to retain them “in order to regularise the status of the current community use of the building”.
Urging the council’s planners to refuse retention permission, Mr Mallon wrote: “The applicant has not adhered to the relevant procedures seeking variations to the building as set out under the Planning and Development Act 2000.”
Noting that Tailor’s Hall is in an archaeologically sensitive area, he said: “I would ask that the enforcement section of the council review this unauthorised development of a protected structure and deal [with it] accordingly.”
Under the terms of the council’s decision, An Taisce would have to pay more than €56,000 in development levies, an onerous imposition for a charitable trust which has been strapped for cash in recent years. This is being appealed.
In 2007 and 2008, Mr Mallon was refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála to develop a major residential scheme at Barn Road, Dunleer, on foot of appeals made by local An Taisce activist Gerry Crilly, a member of its national council.
Overturning favourable decisions by Louth County Council, the board ruled that the proposed schemes would “result in over-development of this land”, saying it was not satisfied that they would facilitate the reopening of Dunleer railway station.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tony Mallon, who is also chairman of the Dunleer community development board, made his appeal to An Bord Pleanála, claiming that the use of its basement for dancing and concerts would be “contrary to the proper planning and development of the area”.
Tailor’s Hall, on Back Lane off High Street, dates from 1706 and is the only surviving guild hall in the city. It has been the headquarters of An Taisce since the mid- 1980s and is regularly rented for functions, including weddings, parties and theatrical events.
However, it transpired that An Taisce had no planning permission for these uses of the stone-vaulted basement and had to seek retrospective approval to retain them “in order to regularise the status of the current community use of the building”.
Urging the council’s planners to refuse retention permission, Mr Mallon wrote: “The applicant has not adhered to the relevant procedures seeking variations to the building as set out under the Planning and Development Act 2000.”
Noting that Tailor’s Hall is in an archaeologically sensitive area, he said: “I would ask that the enforcement section of the council review this unauthorised development of a protected structure and deal [with it] accordingly.”
Under the terms of the council’s decision, An Taisce would have to pay more than €56,000 in development levies, an onerous imposition for a charitable trust which has been strapped for cash in recent years. This is being appealed.
In 2007 and 2008, Mr Mallon was refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála to develop a major residential scheme at Barn Road, Dunleer, on foot of appeals made by local An Taisce activist Gerry Crilly, a member of its national council.
Overturning favourable decisions by Louth County Council, the board ruled that the proposed schemes would “result in over-development of this land”, saying it was not satisfied that they would facilitate the reopening of Dunleer railway station.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Best-selling writer appeals Clare wind farm decision
AUTHOR Niall Williams says he will be forced to move from his west Clare home if a planned 120m (395ft) high wind farm is built just more than 500m from his property.
The author of seven novels, Williams has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against a Clare County Council decision to grant planning permission to Aonghus Coughlan for a two-turbine wind- farm.
The Dubliner and his wife, Christine Breen, moved to Ms Breen’s ancestral family home in the isolated village of Kiltumper, near Kilmihil, in 1985 to write.
In their objection lodged with the council, Williams said the “flashing” effect caused by the rotating blades of the wind turbines, when the sun was shining, would have a nauseating, disorientating effect because of a particular eye condition he had.
“As a result, my lifestyle in Kiltumper, my home for nearly 25 years, would be enormously compromised, and because of fears for my health, I would be forced to sell and move from the area . . . Needless to say, in the event of the windfarm going ahead, we would seek legal representation to address the liability for the loss of our livelihood here.”
But letters of support for the plan have been lodged by local organisations including Kilmihil GAA Club, Kilmihil soccer club and Kilmihil farmers’ association.
The council rejected the Williams’s arguments and gave the the plan the go-ahead, stating it would not seriously injure the amenities of the area. A decision is due on the appeal later this year.
Meanwhile, plans for a separate €50 million wind farm near the Co Clare village of Lissycasey are being threatened by a claim to turf-cutting rights going back generations.
Last month, ESB subsidiary Hibernian Windpower lodged plans for an 11-turbine wind farm at Boolneagleragh in the region.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The author of seven novels, Williams has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála against a Clare County Council decision to grant planning permission to Aonghus Coughlan for a two-turbine wind- farm.
The Dubliner and his wife, Christine Breen, moved to Ms Breen’s ancestral family home in the isolated village of Kiltumper, near Kilmihil, in 1985 to write.
In their objection lodged with the council, Williams said the “flashing” effect caused by the rotating blades of the wind turbines, when the sun was shining, would have a nauseating, disorientating effect because of a particular eye condition he had.
“As a result, my lifestyle in Kiltumper, my home for nearly 25 years, would be enormously compromised, and because of fears for my health, I would be forced to sell and move from the area . . . Needless to say, in the event of the windfarm going ahead, we would seek legal representation to address the liability for the loss of our livelihood here.”
But letters of support for the plan have been lodged by local organisations including Kilmihil GAA Club, Kilmihil soccer club and Kilmihil farmers’ association.
The council rejected the Williams’s arguments and gave the the plan the go-ahead, stating it would not seriously injure the amenities of the area. A decision is due on the appeal later this year.
Meanwhile, plans for a separate €50 million wind farm near the Co Clare village of Lissycasey are being threatened by a claim to turf-cutting rights going back generations.
Last month, ESB subsidiary Hibernian Windpower lodged plans for an 11-turbine wind farm at Boolneagleragh in the region.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Locals appeal Terenure convent site plan
A HOUSING development proposed for the grounds of the Presentation Convent site on Terenure Road West, Dublin 6W, has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
Dublin City Council granted planning permission for the scheme of 32 houses and 15 apartments in January but Dublin developer Kimpton Vale hit the headlines in February when it was fined €1,000 in court for demolishing part of the 1860s former convent school on the site without planning permission. A few weeks before it was knocked, councillors had voted to put the convent on the list of recorded protected structures.
The 1.26-hectare site is on the northern side of Terenure Road West and is surrounded by private houses, including Mayfield Road and Eaton Square to the west and Corrib Road, Rathdown Court and Greenlea Place to the south.
In an appeal to An Bord Pleanála, John, Deirdre, Shane and Ciara Dunny, with an address at Mayfield Road, say their road will be the most affected by the development. They say a proposed pedestrian link into the development from their cul-de-sac, which is in a conservation area, will affect the amenity of the area.
Other concerns include a lack of public space, and private space for residents which they say is contrary to the Z12 zoning of the site “to ensure existing environmental amenities are protected in any future use of these lands”.
They also fear that visitors to the proposed development will park along their road and restricted access to and from Terenure Road West will pose a traffic hazard.
There was controversy when Dublin City Council failed to force Kimpton Vale to reinstate the Presentation Convent after the demolition.
After ignoring several orders to rebuild the 1860s building, the company, owned by Laurence Keegan, was prosecuted and fined. Kimpton Vale bought the convent and three acres on Terenure Road West for €15 million in April 2006.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Dublin City Council granted planning permission for the scheme of 32 houses and 15 apartments in January but Dublin developer Kimpton Vale hit the headlines in February when it was fined €1,000 in court for demolishing part of the 1860s former convent school on the site without planning permission. A few weeks before it was knocked, councillors had voted to put the convent on the list of recorded protected structures.
The 1.26-hectare site is on the northern side of Terenure Road West and is surrounded by private houses, including Mayfield Road and Eaton Square to the west and Corrib Road, Rathdown Court and Greenlea Place to the south.
In an appeal to An Bord Pleanála, John, Deirdre, Shane and Ciara Dunny, with an address at Mayfield Road, say their road will be the most affected by the development. They say a proposed pedestrian link into the development from their cul-de-sac, which is in a conservation area, will affect the amenity of the area.
Other concerns include a lack of public space, and private space for residents which they say is contrary to the Z12 zoning of the site “to ensure existing environmental amenities are protected in any future use of these lands”.
They also fear that visitors to the proposed development will park along their road and restricted access to and from Terenure Road West will pose a traffic hazard.
There was controversy when Dublin City Council failed to force Kimpton Vale to reinstate the Presentation Convent after the demolition.
After ignoring several orders to rebuild the 1860s building, the company, owned by Laurence Keegan, was prosecuted and fined. Kimpton Vale bought the convent and three acres on Terenure Road West for €15 million in April 2006.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Ballymun centre appealed
A PLAN to redevelop Ballymun shopping centre has met with opposition from the developers of the Northside shopping centre, writes Edel Morgan .
In an appeal to An Bord Pleanála, Brian O’Farrell’s N1 Property Developments Ltd says the scale of the planned Ballymun shopping centre has been “understated” and would have an adverse impact on Northside and other shopping centres in the area.
N1 Property Developments is looking to demolish the 37-year-old Northside shopping centre in Coolock and build a 75,652sq m (814,311sq ft) shopping centre over two phases. The €1 billion redevelopment of the Northside shopping centre is before An Bord Pleanála in March. Also proposed are 1,340 residential units, a leisure centre, library, medical centre, crèche, offices and cinema.
Treasury Holdings’ plans for Ballymun shopping centre include 60,293sq m (649,000sq ft) of retail space, 27,880sq m (300,100sq ft) of offices, a nine-screen cinema, bowling alley, 2,111sq m (22,723sq ft) of civic space and a family entertainment centre.
But N1 Property Developments Ltd says the scale of the centre, in terms of traffic generation, has been downplayed, saying the scheme is “totally dependent” on Metro North and without it, local congestion would be out of control. “The Metro North project has not yet been approved by An Bord Pleanála nor has it been sanctioned by the Government to proceed to construction,” it says.
It says that the developers of Ballymun shopping centre have “grossly underestimated” the potential impact on business at other local centres, like the Omni shopping centre in Santry, Northside in Coolock and the Charlestown centre in Finglas.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
In an appeal to An Bord Pleanála, Brian O’Farrell’s N1 Property Developments Ltd says the scale of the planned Ballymun shopping centre has been “understated” and would have an adverse impact on Northside and other shopping centres in the area.
N1 Property Developments is looking to demolish the 37-year-old Northside shopping centre in Coolock and build a 75,652sq m (814,311sq ft) shopping centre over two phases. The €1 billion redevelopment of the Northside shopping centre is before An Bord Pleanála in March. Also proposed are 1,340 residential units, a leisure centre, library, medical centre, crèche, offices and cinema.
Treasury Holdings’ plans for Ballymun shopping centre include 60,293sq m (649,000sq ft) of retail space, 27,880sq m (300,100sq ft) of offices, a nine-screen cinema, bowling alley, 2,111sq m (22,723sq ft) of civic space and a family entertainment centre.
But N1 Property Developments Ltd says the scale of the centre, in terms of traffic generation, has been downplayed, saying the scheme is “totally dependent” on Metro North and without it, local congestion would be out of control. “The Metro North project has not yet been approved by An Bord Pleanála nor has it been sanctioned by the Government to proceed to construction,” it says.
It says that the developers of Ballymun shopping centre have “grossly underestimated” the potential impact on business at other local centres, like the Omni shopping centre in Santry, Northside in Coolock and the Charlestown centre in Finglas.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 19 January 2009
Irish Rail expects delay in opening western line
A DELAY in the reopening of the €106 million Western Rail Corridor is being anticipated by Irish Rail in spite of a planning appeal being withdrawn against a new train station along the route.
Last year Coen Holdings Ltd lodged an appeal against the decision by Galway County Council to grant planning to Irish Rail to construct a new train station at Gort, with a decision not expected before January 24th.
The reopening of the rail line between Ennis, Co Clare, and Athenry, Co Galway, will allow for the restoration of intercity services between Galway and Limerick and Cork after a gap of 33 years, along with increased commuter services into Galway.
Originally due to be operational in 2008, and more recently to open in the spring, the spokesman said the retendering for the works due to the withdrawal of the planning objection was one of a number of factors leading to the delay in reopening the rail link.
“We are told that line is going to open in the summer, but at the moment we don’t know what part of summer that will be.”
The spokesman said Irish Rail would first see how the line performed before deciding on a proposal to construct a crossing point near the Co Clare village of Sixmilebridge, which would significantly increase capacity on the route.
Five stations, including Gort station, are to be upgraded.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Last year Coen Holdings Ltd lodged an appeal against the decision by Galway County Council to grant planning to Irish Rail to construct a new train station at Gort, with a decision not expected before January 24th.
The reopening of the rail line between Ennis, Co Clare, and Athenry, Co Galway, will allow for the restoration of intercity services between Galway and Limerick and Cork after a gap of 33 years, along with increased commuter services into Galway.
Originally due to be operational in 2008, and more recently to open in the spring, the spokesman said the retendering for the works due to the withdrawal of the planning objection was one of a number of factors leading to the delay in reopening the rail link.
“We are told that line is going to open in the summer, but at the moment we don’t know what part of summer that will be.”
The spokesman said Irish Rail would first see how the line performed before deciding on a proposal to construct a crossing point near the Co Clare village of Sixmilebridge, which would significantly increase capacity on the route.
Five stations, including Gort station, are to be upgraded.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Dermot Desmond appeals David Daly's D4 plans
BUSINESSMAN DERMOT Desmond is opposing yet another proposal for development in Ballsbridge.
A high profile opponent of developer Seán Dunne's proposal for a 37-storey tower on the Jurys/Berkeley Court site, he is now appealing developer David Daly's proposal to redevelop nearby Franklin House on Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 to An Bord Pleanála.
Among the grounds for appealing the scheme, which involves knocking the office block and replacing it with two office buildings, is that the design reflects the style of nearby Hume House "one of the ugliest buildings in Dublin".
Desmond, who lives on Ailesbury Road, Ballsbridge, is one of six parties to appeal planning permission granted by Dublin City Council last month.
Developer David Daly got planning permission from Dublin City Council to knock the 1,369sq m (14,736sq ft) Franklin House and build 4,194sq m (45,144sq ft) of office space from four to eight storeys connected by an atrium.
Desmond maintains the design "lacks any sophistication" and says the classically proportioned buildings to the east of the site "are not reflected anywhere in the design either in terms of their scale, fenestration, materials or finishes".
He told the board that he has always expressed his concern "about the need for high standards of design in the city of Dublin if it is to compete with other great European cities and indeed other world cities". He said permitting a building "of this calibre within an area like Ballsbridge is simply unacceptable".
In its submission to An Bord Pleanála, An Taisce says the scale and height of the development would have a "negative impact" on protected structures such as the "iconic" US embassy buildings, 19th century protected structures near it at the end of Elgin Road and estate cottages on Shelbourne Road.
It also points to a surplus of office space in the area, saying there are vacant offices at newer blocks like the Oval, RDS, Watermarque building and older office blocks like Hume House, the Faculty Building, Iona building, Shelbourne House and Carrisbrook House.
Among the other appellants are Lansdowne and District Residents Association, Pembroke Road Association and James O'Reilly SC and others.
David Daly bought Franklin House from developer Gerry Gannon in 2006 for €25 million.
All of the sites suitable for development in the centre of Ballsbridge are owned by a small group of high-profile developers, most of whom paid huge prices.
As well as the Jurys/Berkeley Court site, developer Seán Dunne owns Hume House, also on Pembroke Road, which he bought for €130 million and where he hopes to build a 14-storey office block.
Bernard McNamara and Jerry O'Reilly paid €46 million last year for Carrisbrook House, which is on the corner of Northumberland Road and Pembroke Road.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
A high profile opponent of developer Seán Dunne's proposal for a 37-storey tower on the Jurys/Berkeley Court site, he is now appealing developer David Daly's proposal to redevelop nearby Franklin House on Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 to An Bord Pleanála.
Among the grounds for appealing the scheme, which involves knocking the office block and replacing it with two office buildings, is that the design reflects the style of nearby Hume House "one of the ugliest buildings in Dublin".
Desmond, who lives on Ailesbury Road, Ballsbridge, is one of six parties to appeal planning permission granted by Dublin City Council last month.
Developer David Daly got planning permission from Dublin City Council to knock the 1,369sq m (14,736sq ft) Franklin House and build 4,194sq m (45,144sq ft) of office space from four to eight storeys connected by an atrium.
Desmond maintains the design "lacks any sophistication" and says the classically proportioned buildings to the east of the site "are not reflected anywhere in the design either in terms of their scale, fenestration, materials or finishes".
He told the board that he has always expressed his concern "about the need for high standards of design in the city of Dublin if it is to compete with other great European cities and indeed other world cities". He said permitting a building "of this calibre within an area like Ballsbridge is simply unacceptable".
In its submission to An Bord Pleanála, An Taisce says the scale and height of the development would have a "negative impact" on protected structures such as the "iconic" US embassy buildings, 19th century protected structures near it at the end of Elgin Road and estate cottages on Shelbourne Road.
It also points to a surplus of office space in the area, saying there are vacant offices at newer blocks like the Oval, RDS, Watermarque building and older office blocks like Hume House, the Faculty Building, Iona building, Shelbourne House and Carrisbrook House.
Among the other appellants are Lansdowne and District Residents Association, Pembroke Road Association and James O'Reilly SC and others.
David Daly bought Franklin House from developer Gerry Gannon in 2006 for €25 million.
All of the sites suitable for development in the centre of Ballsbridge are owned by a small group of high-profile developers, most of whom paid huge prices.
As well as the Jurys/Berkeley Court site, developer Seán Dunne owns Hume House, also on Pembroke Road, which he bought for €130 million and where he hopes to build a 14-storey office block.
Bernard McNamara and Jerry O'Reilly paid €46 million last year for Carrisbrook House, which is on the corner of Northumberland Road and Pembroke Road.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Dermot Desmond appeals David Daly's D4 plans
BUSINESSMAN DERMOT Desmond is opposing yet another proposal for development in Ballsbridge.
A high profile opponent of developer Seán Dunne's proposal for a 37-storey tower on the Jurys/Berkeley Court site, he is now appealing developer David Daly's proposal to redevelop nearby Franklin House on Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 to An Bord Pleanála.
Among the grounds for appealing the scheme, which involves knocking the office block and replacing it with two office buildings, is that the design reflects the style of nearby Hume House "one of the ugliest buildings in Dublin".
Desmond, who lives on Ailesbury Road, Ballsbridge, is one of six parties to appeal planning permission granted by Dublin City Council last month.
Developer David Daly got planning permission from Dublin City Council to knock the 1,369sq m (14,736sq ft) Franklin House and build 4,194sq m (45,144sq ft) of office space from four to eight storeys connected by an atrium.
Desmond maintains the design "lacks any sophistication" and says the classically proportioned buildings to the east of the site "are not reflected anywhere in the design either in terms of their scale, fenestration, materials or finishes".
He told the board that he has always expressed his concern "about the need for high standards of design in the city of Dublin if it is to compete with other great European cities and indeed other world cities". He said permitting a building "of this calibre within an area like Ballsbridge is simply unacceptable".
In its submission to An Bord Pleanála, An Taisce says the scale and height of the development would have a "negative impact" on protected structures such as the "iconic" US embassy buildings, 19th century protected structures near it at the end of Elgin Road and estate cottages on Shelbourne Road.
It also points to a surplus of office space in the area, saying there are vacant offices at newer blocks like the Oval, RDS, Watermarque building and older office blocks like Hume House, the Faculty Building, Iona building, Shelbourne House and Carrisbrook House.
Among the other appellants are Lansdowne and District Residents Association, Pembroke Road Association and James O'Reilly SC and others.
David Daly bought Franklin House from developer Gerry Gannon in 2006 for €25 million.
All of the sites suitable for development in the centre of Ballsbridge are owned by a small group of high-profile developers, most of whom paid huge prices.
As well as the Jurys/Berkeley Court site, developer Seán Dunne owns Hume House, also on Pembroke Road, which he bought for €130 million and where he hopes to build a 14-storey office block.
Bernard McNamara and Jerry O'Reilly paid €46 million last year for Carrisbrook House, which is on the corner of Northumberland Road and Pembroke Road.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
A high profile opponent of developer Seán Dunne's proposal for a 37-storey tower on the Jurys/Berkeley Court site, he is now appealing developer David Daly's proposal to redevelop nearby Franklin House on Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 to An Bord Pleanála.
Among the grounds for appealing the scheme, which involves knocking the office block and replacing it with two office buildings, is that the design reflects the style of nearby Hume House "one of the ugliest buildings in Dublin".
Desmond, who lives on Ailesbury Road, Ballsbridge, is one of six parties to appeal planning permission granted by Dublin City Council last month.
Developer David Daly got planning permission from Dublin City Council to knock the 1,369sq m (14,736sq ft) Franklin House and build 4,194sq m (45,144sq ft) of office space from four to eight storeys connected by an atrium.
Desmond maintains the design "lacks any sophistication" and says the classically proportioned buildings to the east of the site "are not reflected anywhere in the design either in terms of their scale, fenestration, materials or finishes".
He told the board that he has always expressed his concern "about the need for high standards of design in the city of Dublin if it is to compete with other great European cities and indeed other world cities". He said permitting a building "of this calibre within an area like Ballsbridge is simply unacceptable".
In its submission to An Bord Pleanála, An Taisce says the scale and height of the development would have a "negative impact" on protected structures such as the "iconic" US embassy buildings, 19th century protected structures near it at the end of Elgin Road and estate cottages on Shelbourne Road.
It also points to a surplus of office space in the area, saying there are vacant offices at newer blocks like the Oval, RDS, Watermarque building and older office blocks like Hume House, the Faculty Building, Iona building, Shelbourne House and Carrisbrook House.
Among the other appellants are Lansdowne and District Residents Association, Pembroke Road Association and James O'Reilly SC and others.
David Daly bought Franklin House from developer Gerry Gannon in 2006 for €25 million.
All of the sites suitable for development in the centre of Ballsbridge are owned by a small group of high-profile developers, most of whom paid huge prices.
As well as the Jurys/Berkeley Court site, developer Seán Dunne owns Hume House, also on Pembroke Road, which he bought for €130 million and where he hopes to build a 14-storey office block.
Bernard McNamara and Jerry O'Reilly paid €46 million last year for Carrisbrook House, which is on the corner of Northumberland Road and Pembroke Road.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Redevelopment of Rathcoole pub poses risk to aircraft at Baldonnel says Department of Defence
THE DEPARTMENT of Defence has appealed a proposal to redevelop Muldowneys bar in Rathcoole, Co Dublin, into a four-storey residential and retail development to An Bord Pleanála because it could pose a risk “to aircraft approaching and departing Casement Aerodrome at Baldonnel”.
Frank and Mark Smith are looking to demolish the pub and business centre, as well as cottages and outbuildings, and build 68 apartments,seven houses, a new pub and two shops in three blocks ranging from three to four storey developments..
The department says the proposed development is located within the safety cone for runway 05 at Casement Aerodrome “which conflicts with the Department of Defence’s safeguarding policy for Casement”. The appeal says that pilot training regularly occurs “with both novice and experienced pilots. It is the opinion of the Department that this development could pose a risk to aircraft approaching and departing Casement.
“This risk would also pose a threat to members of the public should an incident occur at the site in question,” says the appeal.
Right: Aer Corp officers at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel. Photograph: Alan Betson
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Frank and Mark Smith are looking to demolish the pub and business centre, as well as cottages and outbuildings, and build 68 apartments,seven houses, a new pub and two shops in three blocks ranging from three to four storey developments..
The department says the proposed development is located within the safety cone for runway 05 at Casement Aerodrome “which conflicts with the Department of Defence’s safeguarding policy for Casement”. The appeal says that pilot training regularly occurs “with both novice and experienced pilots. It is the opinion of the Department that this development could pose a risk to aircraft approaching and departing Casement.
“This risk would also pose a threat to members of the public should an incident occur at the site in question,” says the appeal.
Right: Aer Corp officers at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel. Photograph: Alan Betson
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Date set for planning appeal on Great Blasket cafe development
LONG-RUNNING plans to provide a cafe and other services on Great Blasket island will be the subject of a Bord Pleanála hearing in Dingle next month.
Organisations and people who are objecting, or submitting reservations about the plans, have been invited to attend the hearing.
Approval was given to Blascaod Mór Teo, the company that owns most of the island, by Kerry County Council last November.
A €10 million Government plan to have the island designated a National Historic Park hinges on the green light being given to the development.
After planning was granted, Dingle solicitor Peter Callery, a director of Blascaod Mór Teo, said the government’s purchase of the island could proceed quickly if there was no appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
But appeals were soon lodged with the board. Concerns were expressed about the size of the building, effects on wildlife and the environment and waste management issues.
Nine parties who submitted objections, or observations, have been invited to the oral hearing. It is scheduled for August 5-7, at the Institute of Education and Celtic Culture, Green Street, Dingle.
As well as the applicants and the council, the following have also been invited to attend the oral hearing: An Taisce, Fáilte Ireland, the Heritage Council, the Arts Council, Sue Redican, Michael Sheeran, Virginia Brownlow, Britta Wilkins and Simon Hambrook.
Some local people are critical of the timing of the hearing, saying they may be too busy to attend as it will be held during the peak tourist season.
Blascaod Mór Teo, which owns 17 of the 25 holdings on the Great Blasket, has been engaged for many years in difficult purchase negotiations with the Government.
The company is seeking to develop a cafe, service building comprising a kitchen, stores, toilets, first aid and ranger room, before reaching a final agreement on its sale.
A previous application for a cafe was turned down, in 2004, on the grounds that the building would be too large and visually obtrusive.
Last November, Mr Callery welcomed the council’s granting of the all-clear for a smaller building.
But he also indicated his company may not go to the expense of submitting a third application in the event of current objections being upheld by An Bord Pleanála.
The decision to grant planning was also welcomed by the Office of Public Works which has been negotiating on behalf of the Government.
Evacuated in 1953, the Irish-speaking island was best known for its writers and storytellers and as a repository of the old Gaelic culture.
A number of ferries take visitors on day trips to the island, lying three miles off the west Kerry coastline.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Organisations and people who are objecting, or submitting reservations about the plans, have been invited to attend the hearing.
Approval was given to Blascaod Mór Teo, the company that owns most of the island, by Kerry County Council last November.
A €10 million Government plan to have the island designated a National Historic Park hinges on the green light being given to the development.
After planning was granted, Dingle solicitor Peter Callery, a director of Blascaod Mór Teo, said the government’s purchase of the island could proceed quickly if there was no appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
But appeals were soon lodged with the board. Concerns were expressed about the size of the building, effects on wildlife and the environment and waste management issues.
Nine parties who submitted objections, or observations, have been invited to the oral hearing. It is scheduled for August 5-7, at the Institute of Education and Celtic Culture, Green Street, Dingle.
As well as the applicants and the council, the following have also been invited to attend the oral hearing: An Taisce, Fáilte Ireland, the Heritage Council, the Arts Council, Sue Redican, Michael Sheeran, Virginia Brownlow, Britta Wilkins and Simon Hambrook.
Some local people are critical of the timing of the hearing, saying they may be too busy to attend as it will be held during the peak tourist season.
Blascaod Mór Teo, which owns 17 of the 25 holdings on the Great Blasket, has been engaged for many years in difficult purchase negotiations with the Government.
The company is seeking to develop a cafe, service building comprising a kitchen, stores, toilets, first aid and ranger room, before reaching a final agreement on its sale.
A previous application for a cafe was turned down, in 2004, on the grounds that the building would be too large and visually obtrusive.
Last November, Mr Callery welcomed the council’s granting of the all-clear for a smaller building.
But he also indicated his company may not go to the expense of submitting a third application in the event of current objections being upheld by An Bord Pleanála.
The decision to grant planning was also welcomed by the Office of Public Works which has been negotiating on behalf of the Government.
Evacuated in 1953, the Irish-speaking island was best known for its writers and storytellers and as a repository of the old Gaelic culture.
A number of ferries take visitors on day trips to the island, lying three miles off the west Kerry coastline.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Controversial waste plant denied planning approval
THE COUNTRY'S leading racehorse trainer Aidan O'Brien said yesterday he was "over the moon" following An Bord Pleanála's decision to refuse planning permission for a waste treatment plant close to his Ballydoyle Racing Stables and the Coolmore Stud in south Tipperary.
Mr O'Brien said the proposed development "would have destroyed Ballydoyle . . . closed us down and ruined all the land in terms of raising horses".
A joint venture company, Green Organics Energy Ltd (GOE), had sought approval for the facility at Castleblake near the village of Rosegreen on a site which had traditionally been used for rendering animals.
The €100 million plant was intended to process waste from meat factories as well as household organic "brown-bin" waste. GOE planned to process the waste using a system known as anaerobic digestion to generate "green" electricity for the national grid and biodiesel for cars.
An Bord Pleanála, while acknowledging "the desirability of providing such facilities", rejected the proposal claiming that it would be "prejudicial to the viability of the equine industry in this area".
The planning authority noted that it is "the policy of the Government to support the equine sector" and the proposed development would be located "in an area of national importance for the bloodstock industry".
Mr O'Brien said: "We are delighted here at Ballydoyle with this decision. I want to pay tribute to the many individuals and organisations throughout this community for their hard work in campaigning against this development."
A spokeswoman for GOE said the company "has not had sight of the decision and will be reviewing it in detail when it is available."
The decision and the inspector's report have been posted on the Bord Pleanála website.
The venture was backed by three Irish companies, Dawn Meats, Bioverda (a unit of conglomerate NTR) and Avglade, a holding company controlled by Tipperary businessman Louis Ronan.
The proposal was the subject of a 12-day public hearing conducted by An Bord Pleanála in Clonmel last February which heard statements from expert witnesses and attracted large crowds including many employees of both Ballydoyle Stables and Coolmore Stud. The hearing was told that John Magnier's Coolmore Group - one of the industry's most successful operations - could be forced to relocate away from Co Tipperary if the plant received approval.
In his testimony, Aidan O'Brien claimed the proposal "would be a disaster" and negatively impact on the health of horses at Ballydoyle.
Former attorney general Rory Brady SC, who led the legal team for GOE, said the case was "fundamentally a clash between modernity and a fear of change".
Paul Barrett, the project's manager, claimed that such facilities were necessary "if Ireland is to succeed in meeting our commitments under the Kyoto Protocol". He claimed the proposed plant would "displace up to 250,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum from fossil fuels, provide green electricity for 40,000 houses . . . and biofuel to fuel 32,000 cars per year." The company said that the plant was essential for the Irish meat processing industry which is currently obliged to export waste for incineration.
Yesterday, Maurice Moloney of Coolmore Stud described the decision as "a great result for common sense" and expressed "a heartfelt thank you" to "the people of south Tipperary".
The decision was also welcomed by local community activist group South Tipperary for Clean Industry. Spokesman Douglas Butler said: "This refusal will protect the environment and our well-established equine industry."
The proposal had been opposed by politicians of all parties in Co Tipperary. Dr Martin Mansergh, a Fianna Fáil TD for the constituency, had told the hearing: "If we have to have dirty industry in this country, then a better place needs to be found for it, well away from human habitation and acutely environmentally sensitive activities."
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Mr O'Brien said the proposed development "would have destroyed Ballydoyle . . . closed us down and ruined all the land in terms of raising horses".
A joint venture company, Green Organics Energy Ltd (GOE), had sought approval for the facility at Castleblake near the village of Rosegreen on a site which had traditionally been used for rendering animals.
The €100 million plant was intended to process waste from meat factories as well as household organic "brown-bin" waste. GOE planned to process the waste using a system known as anaerobic digestion to generate "green" electricity for the national grid and biodiesel for cars.
An Bord Pleanála, while acknowledging "the desirability of providing such facilities", rejected the proposal claiming that it would be "prejudicial to the viability of the equine industry in this area".
The planning authority noted that it is "the policy of the Government to support the equine sector" and the proposed development would be located "in an area of national importance for the bloodstock industry".
Mr O'Brien said: "We are delighted here at Ballydoyle with this decision. I want to pay tribute to the many individuals and organisations throughout this community for their hard work in campaigning against this development."
A spokeswoman for GOE said the company "has not had sight of the decision and will be reviewing it in detail when it is available."
The decision and the inspector's report have been posted on the Bord Pleanála website.
The venture was backed by three Irish companies, Dawn Meats, Bioverda (a unit of conglomerate NTR) and Avglade, a holding company controlled by Tipperary businessman Louis Ronan.
The proposal was the subject of a 12-day public hearing conducted by An Bord Pleanála in Clonmel last February which heard statements from expert witnesses and attracted large crowds including many employees of both Ballydoyle Stables and Coolmore Stud. The hearing was told that John Magnier's Coolmore Group - one of the industry's most successful operations - could be forced to relocate away from Co Tipperary if the plant received approval.
In his testimony, Aidan O'Brien claimed the proposal "would be a disaster" and negatively impact on the health of horses at Ballydoyle.
Former attorney general Rory Brady SC, who led the legal team for GOE, said the case was "fundamentally a clash between modernity and a fear of change".
Paul Barrett, the project's manager, claimed that such facilities were necessary "if Ireland is to succeed in meeting our commitments under the Kyoto Protocol". He claimed the proposed plant would "displace up to 250,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum from fossil fuels, provide green electricity for 40,000 houses . . . and biofuel to fuel 32,000 cars per year." The company said that the plant was essential for the Irish meat processing industry which is currently obliged to export waste for incineration.
Yesterday, Maurice Moloney of Coolmore Stud described the decision as "a great result for common sense" and expressed "a heartfelt thank you" to "the people of south Tipperary".
The decision was also welcomed by local community activist group South Tipperary for Clean Industry. Spokesman Douglas Butler said: "This refusal will protect the environment and our well-established equine industry."
The proposal had been opposed by politicians of all parties in Co Tipperary. Dr Martin Mansergh, a Fianna Fáil TD for the constituency, had told the hearing: "If we have to have dirty industry in this country, then a better place needs to be found for it, well away from human habitation and acutely environmentally sensitive activities."
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Eight appeals to Burlington Hotel plan
AN TAISCE is one of eight parties to appeal developer Bernard McNamara’s proposal for a €1 billion redevelopment of a 5.4-acre site that includes the Burlington Hotel in Dublin 4.
In its appeal to the planning board, An Taisce criticises Dublin City Council for granting planning permission for the development saying it did not give “due consideration to proper planning and sustainable development”.
Developer Bernard McNamara, who bought the hotel for €288 million, was granted planning permission in May for a development of offices, retail space, leisure facilities and a medical centre. He also owns adjoining land that was formerly the headquarters of Allianz for which he paid around €100 million.
The first phase of the project will involve 27,871sq m (300,000sq ft) of office space on the Allianz portion of the site. The project will have a public plaza and garden. There would also be 185 residential units, 33,340sq m (358,868sq ft) of commercial office, a crèche, restaurant/wine bar and leisure centre.
One block, which will front Sussex Road and the Mespil Estate, will be part-six and part-eight storeys. A second block, fronting Burleigh Court and Mespil Road, will rise to seven storeys over double basement. A third office block, which will be facing Burlington Road, is to rise to eight storeys, with a recessed level at the eight floor and two partially recessed floors at the sixth and seventh floor.
An Taisce says a grant of permission would have “seriously negative impacts on the architectural setting of Burlington Road, Sussex Road, Leeson Street, and their environs”, and is in excess of the plot ratio considered suitable for the site. It says the planned scheme would negatively impact on residential amenities and fails to comply with the requirements for private open space in an apartment development and would have “negative repercussions on other areas of the city zoned for office development”.
Another appeal from residents of nearby Burleigh Court says the development would have a “detrimental impact” on residents of Burleigh Court II, and the height and location of the block nearest them would cause overshadowing and overlooking. It asks that An Bord Pleanála overturn Dublin City Council’s decision to grant planning permission “or at a minimum” ensure that the overall development “be seriously reduced in scale and height”.
Manahan Planners lodged an appeal on behalf of Derry and Gemma Hussey and others, all residents of a listed terrace of houses on Burlington Road facing the hotel site. It says the eight-storey office building facing their homes would be “visually dominant” and would overpower the protected structures “contrary to the stated aim of the council”.
It says that, while the existing office buildings across the road are “an incongruous feature” on Burlington Road, there is “at present a certain, harmonious relationship between our client’s properties and the office building facing them” and the proposal “seeks to shatter that relationship”.
It also says the proposed development will generate more traffic, a greater demand for parking and “will add to traffic congestion on the adjoining streets and in particular Burlington Road”.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
In its appeal to the planning board, An Taisce criticises Dublin City Council for granting planning permission for the development saying it did not give “due consideration to proper planning and sustainable development”.
Developer Bernard McNamara, who bought the hotel for €288 million, was granted planning permission in May for a development of offices, retail space, leisure facilities and a medical centre. He also owns adjoining land that was formerly the headquarters of Allianz for which he paid around €100 million.
The first phase of the project will involve 27,871sq m (300,000sq ft) of office space on the Allianz portion of the site. The project will have a public plaza and garden. There would also be 185 residential units, 33,340sq m (358,868sq ft) of commercial office, a crèche, restaurant/wine bar and leisure centre.
One block, which will front Sussex Road and the Mespil Estate, will be part-six and part-eight storeys. A second block, fronting Burleigh Court and Mespil Road, will rise to seven storeys over double basement. A third office block, which will be facing Burlington Road, is to rise to eight storeys, with a recessed level at the eight floor and two partially recessed floors at the sixth and seventh floor.
An Taisce says a grant of permission would have “seriously negative impacts on the architectural setting of Burlington Road, Sussex Road, Leeson Street, and their environs”, and is in excess of the plot ratio considered suitable for the site. It says the planned scheme would negatively impact on residential amenities and fails to comply with the requirements for private open space in an apartment development and would have “negative repercussions on other areas of the city zoned for office development”.
Another appeal from residents of nearby Burleigh Court says the development would have a “detrimental impact” on residents of Burleigh Court II, and the height and location of the block nearest them would cause overshadowing and overlooking. It asks that An Bord Pleanála overturn Dublin City Council’s decision to grant planning permission “or at a minimum” ensure that the overall development “be seriously reduced in scale and height”.
Manahan Planners lodged an appeal on behalf of Derry and Gemma Hussey and others, all residents of a listed terrace of houses on Burlington Road facing the hotel site. It says the eight-storey office building facing their homes would be “visually dominant” and would overpower the protected structures “contrary to the stated aim of the council”.
It says that, while the existing office buildings across the road are “an incongruous feature” on Burlington Road, there is “at present a certain, harmonious relationship between our client’s properties and the office building facing them” and the proposal “seeks to shatter that relationship”.
It also says the proposed development will generate more traffic, a greater demand for parking and “will add to traffic congestion on the adjoining streets and in particular Burlington Road”.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Higgins set to delay Beacon development
Joe Higgins, the former TD and Socialist Party leader, plans to appeal a decision to grant planning permission for a €250 million private hospital in Limerick.
Beacon Medical Group (BMG) received planning permission to build a 183-bedroom hospital in the grounds of the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle two weeks ago. However, Higgins and a number of local residents plan to appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála.
Building work on the hospital was due to start in September, but will be delayed until the appeal is complete. The construction process will take up to two and a half years.
‘‘We are not entirely surprised [by the appeal], but we are disappointed that what we believe is a critical and important healthcare infrastructure will be delayed as a result. There is an acute need for more beds,” said Michael Cullen, chief executive of Beacon.
Higgins, who lost his seat in the general election last year, has also objected to a decision to award Beacon planning permission for a private hospital in the grounds of Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. Hewas the sole objector to that project.
Cullen said that the ability of one person to delay a project was ‘‘an example of democracy gone mad’’. He said that the hospital project would create 500 high-salaried jobs, and formed part of government policy to increase the supply of hospital beds.
Beacon has asked An Bord Pleanála to dismiss Higgins’ objection on the basis that it was ‘‘vexatious and purely based on ideology. The remit of An Bord Pleanála is to hear appeals based on planning matters, not the political and ideological objections of a failed politician,” he said.
Higgins said he appealed the Beaumont decision because the proposed site for the Beacon hospital was originally earmarked for an extension of psychiatric services. Beacon’s planned hospital in Cork also received the green light from local planners, but that decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
The government strategy of co-locating private hospitals beside public hospitals is designed to reduce the number of public hospital beds occupied by private patients.
Eight public hospitals were earmarked for private facilities, but project agreements have been signed for only three projects spearheaded by Beacon.
Sunday Business Post
www.buckplanning.ie
Beacon Medical Group (BMG) received planning permission to build a 183-bedroom hospital in the grounds of the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle two weeks ago. However, Higgins and a number of local residents plan to appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála.
Building work on the hospital was due to start in September, but will be delayed until the appeal is complete. The construction process will take up to two and a half years.
‘‘We are not entirely surprised [by the appeal], but we are disappointed that what we believe is a critical and important healthcare infrastructure will be delayed as a result. There is an acute need for more beds,” said Michael Cullen, chief executive of Beacon.
Higgins, who lost his seat in the general election last year, has also objected to a decision to award Beacon planning permission for a private hospital in the grounds of Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. Hewas the sole objector to that project.
Cullen said that the ability of one person to delay a project was ‘‘an example of democracy gone mad’’. He said that the hospital project would create 500 high-salaried jobs, and formed part of government policy to increase the supply of hospital beds.
Beacon has asked An Bord Pleanála to dismiss Higgins’ objection on the basis that it was ‘‘vexatious and purely based on ideology. The remit of An Bord Pleanála is to hear appeals based on planning matters, not the political and ideological objections of a failed politician,” he said.
Higgins said he appealed the Beaumont decision because the proposed site for the Beacon hospital was originally earmarked for an extension of psychiatric services. Beacon’s planned hospital in Cork also received the green light from local planners, but that decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála.
The government strategy of co-locating private hospitals beside public hospitals is designed to reduce the number of public hospital beds occupied by private patients.
Eight public hospitals were earmarked for private facilities, but project agreements have been signed for only three projects spearheaded by Beacon.
Sunday Business Post
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 16 May 2008
Rathmines cinema appealed
AN APPEAL to An Bord Pleanála regarding the redevelopment of the Swan shopping centre in Rathmines by Sawbridge Ltd into a three-screen cinema says the old vacant site of the Stella cinema would be more suitable for a cinema complex.
RAB Management Ltd says its apartment blocks are across the road from the shopping centre at Castlewood Close and there has been no consultation with residents. Among the concerns are traffic coming from the shopping centre late at night, loitering and anti-social behaviour, and a shortage of parking in the area. They say they constantly endure nuisance parking by outsiders who block their entrance.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
RAB Management Ltd says its apartment blocks are across the road from the shopping centre at Castlewood Close and there has been no consultation with residents. Among the concerns are traffic coming from the shopping centre late at night, loitering and anti-social behaviour, and a shortage of parking in the area. They say they constantly endure nuisance parking by outsiders who block their entrance.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 29 December 2007
Judges appeal planning for house
A Supreme Court judge and his wife, also a judge, are among those appealing a Donegal County Council decision to grant permission to a priest for a new house.
An Bord Pleanála has received five objections to the decision to grant permission to Fr Philip Daly for a house on the "sea side" of the road at Lackagh, Portnoo. Fr Daly has been a curate in the area for the last seven years.
Among the appellants are Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman and his wife, Judge Yvonne Murphy of the Circuit Court, who have a holiday home on the upper side of the road. Four other appeals were received from local residents. They are all appealing on the grounds that proposed development will destroy scenic views as it will be located between the road and the sea.
The appeal from Martin Ryan Architects on behalf of Mr Justice Hardiman and Judge Murphy stated they wished Fr Daly would build on "their side of the road".
"Their objection is to development of the application site and not to the appellant, whom they would welcome on their side of the road," the appeal stated.
Another appeal from local residents said: "Whilst we would love to have Fr Daly live in the area, we do object to any building being allowed on the sea-side of the road as this would create a precedent for future development. . ."
Local councillor Enda Bonner wrote a letter of support in favour of Fr Daly. Mr Bonner argued that Fr Daly wanted to build a retirement home, adding that two issues that caused the last application to be refused were being addressed in the latest application.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
An Bord Pleanála has received five objections to the decision to grant permission to Fr Philip Daly for a house on the "sea side" of the road at Lackagh, Portnoo. Fr Daly has been a curate in the area for the last seven years.
Among the appellants are Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman and his wife, Judge Yvonne Murphy of the Circuit Court, who have a holiday home on the upper side of the road. Four other appeals were received from local residents. They are all appealing on the grounds that proposed development will destroy scenic views as it will be located between the road and the sea.
The appeal from Martin Ryan Architects on behalf of Mr Justice Hardiman and Judge Murphy stated they wished Fr Daly would build on "their side of the road".
"Their objection is to development of the application site and not to the appellant, whom they would welcome on their side of the road," the appeal stated.
Another appeal from local residents said: "Whilst we would love to have Fr Daly live in the area, we do object to any building being allowed on the sea-side of the road as this would create a precedent for future development. . ."
Local councillor Enda Bonner wrote a letter of support in favour of Fr Daly. Mr Bonner argued that Fr Daly wanted to build a retirement home, adding that two issues that caused the last application to be refused were being addressed in the latest application.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Sunday, 19 August 2007
Opponents may legally challenge Greystones plan
I was away during the week, so I am just posting this story from Tuesday last now.
Opponents of a €300 million redevelopment scheme for Greystones harbour in Co Wicklow are to meet next week to examine grounds for a legal challenge to the scheme.
The move will follow a meeting this week between Wicklow County Council and its private sector partners, the Sispar consortium, aimed at setting a five-year construction timetable for the project.
Envisaged in the redevelopment of the harbour is a modern marina, some 5,500sq m of commercial units and 341 new homes, a public park and new premises for existing harbour users.
The council, which is to provide some 70 acres for the project, said it has already begun work on redesigning access to the site and implementing a traffic management programme in the local area, as required by Bord Pleanála.
The council hopes land-based construction work will begin this year, with major marine works starting next spring. Last week, a council spokesman said the commitment to providing the new harbour in advance of 341 new homes, planned as part of the development, remained intact.
However, speaking yesterday, Fiachra Etchingham of the Greystones Protection and Development Association (GPDA) said legal moves to halt the scheme were being examined. The association was looking at a number of aspects of the board's decision as well as the processes used by the council to acquire land for the development, he added.
The council originally owned about 40 acres of the 70-acre site and used the compulsory purchase order system to acquire the remainder. However, the GPDA has questioned the use of the system to acquire the foreshore, which they claim is constitutionally complicated.
The association is also anxious to see details of a wave-modelling scheme commissioned by Sispar, which would demonstrate the suitability of the harbour piers to withstand easterly gales. Mr Etchingham said such detail was denied to the planning inquiry, despite repeated requests.
Should there be no challenge, construction is to take place over the next five years. Much concrete manufacturing activity is to be carried out on site in an effort to minimise the number of lorries servicing the site by road.
The council is also required to carry out detailed archaeological works on the site in advance of construction. Two of the 13 conditions imposed on Sispar in the grant of planning permission relate to detailed archaeological surveys in the area of the proposed cement plants and at a former football field.
Included in the project is the rebuilding of the old Victorian harbour. A lighthouse base originally intended for the Kish bank is to be removed. Also set to go is a crumbling north wall.
Tim O'Brien
2007 The Irish Times
Opponents of a €300 million redevelopment scheme for Greystones harbour in Co Wicklow are to meet next week to examine grounds for a legal challenge to the scheme.
The move will follow a meeting this week between Wicklow County Council and its private sector partners, the Sispar consortium, aimed at setting a five-year construction timetable for the project.
Envisaged in the redevelopment of the harbour is a modern marina, some 5,500sq m of commercial units and 341 new homes, a public park and new premises for existing harbour users.
The council, which is to provide some 70 acres for the project, said it has already begun work on redesigning access to the site and implementing a traffic management programme in the local area, as required by Bord Pleanála.
The council hopes land-based construction work will begin this year, with major marine works starting next spring. Last week, a council spokesman said the commitment to providing the new harbour in advance of 341 new homes, planned as part of the development, remained intact.
However, speaking yesterday, Fiachra Etchingham of the Greystones Protection and Development Association (GPDA) said legal moves to halt the scheme were being examined. The association was looking at a number of aspects of the board's decision as well as the processes used by the council to acquire land for the development, he added.
The council originally owned about 40 acres of the 70-acre site and used the compulsory purchase order system to acquire the remainder. However, the GPDA has questioned the use of the system to acquire the foreshore, which they claim is constitutionally complicated.
The association is also anxious to see details of a wave-modelling scheme commissioned by Sispar, which would demonstrate the suitability of the harbour piers to withstand easterly gales. Mr Etchingham said such detail was denied to the planning inquiry, despite repeated requests.
Should there be no challenge, construction is to take place over the next five years. Much concrete manufacturing activity is to be carried out on site in an effort to minimise the number of lorries servicing the site by road.
The council is also required to carry out detailed archaeological works on the site in advance of construction. Two of the 13 conditions imposed on Sispar in the grant of planning permission relate to detailed archaeological surveys in the area of the proposed cement plants and at a former football field.
Included in the project is the rebuilding of the old Victorian harbour. A lighthouse base originally intended for the Kish bank is to be removed. Also set to go is a crumbling north wall.
Tim O'Brien
2007 The Irish Times
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
Bord Pleanála rejects RTÉ’s appeal for mast in scenic area
A PLAN by RTÉ to build a 24-metre mast in a scenic part of the Dingle Peninsula has been rejected on the grounds it would interfere with the natural beauty of the area.
An Bord Pleanála has turned down an appeal against a previous decision by Kerry County Council to refuse planning permission for the mast.
The national broadcaster was proposing to erect the mast near Camp on the main N86, the An Daingean/Tralee road.
The appeals’ board suggested that a suitable alternative site could be found for the single pole mast.
RTÉ Transmission Network Ltd said the plan was to upgrade its service to digital and the mast needed a large quantity of equipment to operate both radio and television. The structure would enable broadband, telecommunications and tetra operators to share it.
While acknowledging the need to improve communications and broadcasting services, Bord Pleanála planning inspector Nicholas Hammans said the available evidence did not show a need to locate the necessary equipment on “this exceptionally sensitive and harmful site”.
Irish Examiner
An Bord Pleanála has turned down an appeal against a previous decision by Kerry County Council to refuse planning permission for the mast.
The national broadcaster was proposing to erect the mast near Camp on the main N86, the An Daingean/Tralee road.
The appeals’ board suggested that a suitable alternative site could be found for the single pole mast.
RTÉ Transmission Network Ltd said the plan was to upgrade its service to digital and the mast needed a large quantity of equipment to operate both radio and television. The structure would enable broadband, telecommunications and tetra operators to share it.
While acknowledging the need to improve communications and broadcasting services, Bord Pleanála planning inspector Nicholas Hammans said the available evidence did not show a need to locate the necessary equipment on “this exceptionally sensitive and harmful site”.
Irish Examiner
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
Local appeal fails to clear way for Tesco plan
DESPITE huge public support in north Kerry for a new Tesco supermarket in Listowel, An Bord Pleanála has rejected plans by the retail giant to open in the town.
Listowel mayor Pat Loughnane yesterday said locals were very disappointed, pointing out that a petition with 1,500 signatures had been gathered in support of the retail chain’s plans.
Tesco’s proposal was to build a 4,000sq ft (1,220sq m) store on a greenfield Ballybunion Road site.
Listowel Town Council had granted planning permission, but the application was forwarded to An Bord Pleanála after submissions were made by RGDATA, the retailers’ lobby group, and the Garvey group, which has a supermarket in Listowel.
The Garvey Group maintained that any out-of-town developments would hinder the progress of the town centre.
An Bord Pleanála said the development would be on a site 800 metres from the town centre and its location would conflict with a policy which favoured the siting of retail development in town centres.
It also said the proposed development would represent poor-quality development in terms of visual amenity.
But mayor Pat Loughnane said there wasn’t a town centre site available that would accommodate a supermarket.
In a statement, the Garvey Group said the planning process was very transparent and ensured all applicants were fairly treated.
Meanwhile, Tesco is still awaiting a decision from An Bord Pleanála on its plans to open a 2,480sq m supermarket on the Limerick Road, Castleisland. In February, Kerry County Council voted against a material contravention of the local area plan for Castleisland which would have cleared the way for a planning application by Tesco.
An appeal was then lodged with An Bord Pleanála by Tesco.
Castleisland FG councillor Bobby O’Connell, a strong supporter of the Tesco plan, said there was massive support in the Castleisland area for the plan.
Irish Examiner
Listowel mayor Pat Loughnane yesterday said locals were very disappointed, pointing out that a petition with 1,500 signatures had been gathered in support of the retail chain’s plans.
Tesco’s proposal was to build a 4,000sq ft (1,220sq m) store on a greenfield Ballybunion Road site.
Listowel Town Council had granted planning permission, but the application was forwarded to An Bord Pleanála after submissions were made by RGDATA, the retailers’ lobby group, and the Garvey group, which has a supermarket in Listowel.
The Garvey Group maintained that any out-of-town developments would hinder the progress of the town centre.
An Bord Pleanála said the development would be on a site 800 metres from the town centre and its location would conflict with a policy which favoured the siting of retail development in town centres.
It also said the proposed development would represent poor-quality development in terms of visual amenity.
But mayor Pat Loughnane said there wasn’t a town centre site available that would accommodate a supermarket.
In a statement, the Garvey Group said the planning process was very transparent and ensured all applicants were fairly treated.
Meanwhile, Tesco is still awaiting a decision from An Bord Pleanála on its plans to open a 2,480sq m supermarket on the Limerick Road, Castleisland. In February, Kerry County Council voted against a material contravention of the local area plan for Castleisland which would have cleared the way for a planning application by Tesco.
An appeal was then lodged with An Bord Pleanála by Tesco.
Castleisland FG councillor Bobby O’Connell, a strong supporter of the Tesco plan, said there was massive support in the Castleisland area for the plan.
Irish Examiner
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Biomass firm refused planning for €75m plant
A MONAGHAN company’s plans to build a €75 million biomass plant, that could have supplied 45% of the county’s electrical needs, has been scuppered by An Bord Pleanála.
Monopower Ltd, a company owned by Aiden and Maurice McCarron, wanted to build the 22.5 megawatt biomass plant in Emyvale, Co Monaghan.
But the company was told the project was refused permission on two grounds — an inadequate road network and water run off from the proposed operation would create a public hazard.
Through EU-award winning environmental innovation, the proposed plant would have taken in 300,000 tonnes of poultry litter, mushroom waste and willow from Monaghan, Cavan, Tyrone and Fermanagh.
It would have been incinerated to convert it into electricity. The proposal had EU backing according to the McCarrons.
There had been considerable local objection to the plans — 530 objections including a 17,000-signature petition were lodged when planning permission was sought.
Farmers and residents feared incineration could produce harmful dioxins which could affect, not just their health, but the reputation of their local industries.
Consultant Jack O’Sullivan, of Environmental Management Service, said farmers, producers and residents have long-term fears about the plant.
“A lot of those I represent are poultry farmers and mushroom growers. They believe the plant could run out of fuel in three or four years time and the owners could apply to the local authority to burn other waste,” he said.
The protracted planning process and resultant decision cost Monopower more than €2m and 14 years in planning and formulation.
The company said it was still going through the terms of the refusal before deciding on its next course of action.
Irish Examiner
Monopower Ltd, a company owned by Aiden and Maurice McCarron, wanted to build the 22.5 megawatt biomass plant in Emyvale, Co Monaghan.
But the company was told the project was refused permission on two grounds — an inadequate road network and water run off from the proposed operation would create a public hazard.
Through EU-award winning environmental innovation, the proposed plant would have taken in 300,000 tonnes of poultry litter, mushroom waste and willow from Monaghan, Cavan, Tyrone and Fermanagh.
It would have been incinerated to convert it into electricity. The proposal had EU backing according to the McCarrons.
There had been considerable local objection to the plans — 530 objections including a 17,000-signature petition were lodged when planning permission was sought.
Farmers and residents feared incineration could produce harmful dioxins which could affect, not just their health, but the reputation of their local industries.
Consultant Jack O’Sullivan, of Environmental Management Service, said farmers, producers and residents have long-term fears about the plant.
“A lot of those I represent are poultry farmers and mushroom growers. They believe the plant could run out of fuel in three or four years time and the owners could apply to the local authority to burn other waste,” he said.
The protracted planning process and resultant decision cost Monopower more than €2m and 14 years in planning and formulation.
The company said it was still going through the terms of the refusal before deciding on its next course of action.
Irish Examiner
Friday, 22 June 2007
Shock and anger at Knock decision
MEP Markin Harkin said this week that the An Bord Pleanala’s refusal of permission to the Department of Community Gaeltacht and Rural Affairs for the relocation of the Department and Ministerial headquarters to a site at Knock Airport, as part of the Government decentralisation programme, was a further example of how An Bord Pleanala was prepared to have different policies for the West of Ireland and Dublin West. “Despite the well founded advice of the National Roads Authority to refuse
planning permission for the IKEA development which is certain to cause further chaos on the M50, An Bord Pleanala in a weasel word permission has managed to justify a positive decision while it has plumbed the depths of shallow and wrong headed justification to refuse permission for the offices at Ireland West Airport,” she said. She urged Minister Eamon O’Cuiv to challenge the decision of An Bord Pleanala through a High Court appeal and to refuse to accept the decision of An Bord Pleanala which was a further example of “that body’s inability to acknowledge the core Government commitment to balanced regional development”.
© Roscommon Herald
planning permission for the IKEA development which is certain to cause further chaos on the M50, An Bord Pleanala in a weasel word permission has managed to justify a positive decision while it has plumbed the depths of shallow and wrong headed justification to refuse permission for the offices at Ireland West Airport,” she said. She urged Minister Eamon O’Cuiv to challenge the decision of An Bord Pleanala through a High Court appeal and to refuse to accept the decision of An Bord Pleanala which was a further example of “that body’s inability to acknowledge the core Government commitment to balanced regional development”.
© Roscommon Herald
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