Housing plan rejected

A NORTHSIDE councillor has called on Dublin City Council to acquire the site of a failed application for a controversial housing development. 

Cllr Michael O’Brien (Solidarity) was speaking after An Bord Pleanála refused permission for more than 500 housing units on lands adjoining St Anne’s Park. 

Earlier this year, An Bord Pleanála granted permission to Crekav Trading GP to construct 536 residential units on lands surrounding St Paul’s College, Sybil Hill Road, Raheny.

However, that decision was quashed in August by orders of the High Court after the local community sought a judicial review.

The application was remitted to An Bord Pleanála who subsequently refused permission for the development last Thursday. 

Cllr O’Brien said An Bord Pleanála made the right decision. 

“We need public-led not developer-led affordable house building,” he said.

“The site should be acquired by Dublin City Council and legally integrated into St Anne's Park. 

“This was the right decision but it only came about because residents in the surrounding communities organised and pursued a combined strategy of people power protests and raised the resources for a judicial review.” 

Labour Party representative for Dublin Bay North, Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, also welcomed the decision. 

“I have been campaigning against development on this land for three years with local community groups and residents’ associations,” he said.

“These lands contain much needed local sports facilities and playing pitches which have always been considered part of St Anne’s Park.

“The development of eight-storey apartment blocks would have had a devastating effect on the environmental integrity of this much loved green lung of the Northside.These lands are completely inappropriate for large scale development.”

Senator Ó Ríordáin added: “This decision, which follows the High Court judicial review taken by the local community, vindicates absolutely the opposition to this plan.”

Dublin Bay North TD Tommy Broughan (Ind) told Northside People he was shocked and disappointed when An Bord Pleanála originally granted permission for this “unsuitable” development in April. 

“It is only due to the determination of many local residents in Raheny, Clontarf and environs that this decision has now been overturned,” said Deputy Broughan.