Residents to discuss options following planning decision 

Aoife O’Brien

CLONTARF Residents’ Association has issued a statement following An Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant planning permission for 657 apartments on the St Paul’s playing fields beside St Anne’s Park in Raheny.

It reads: “We are surprised and disappointed at the decision of An Bord Pleanala to grant permission (dated 13th February 2020) for this development. 

“This decision goes against the recommendation of Dublin City Council and appears to be in direct conflict with the Board’s recent decision to refuse the school’s application for permission for a sports hall and all-weather pitch on the adjoining lands.

“It is difficult to understand how the Board could have reached two such differing decisions within a week of each other on what was originally the same site. 

“We will be discussing our options with our legal team and issue another statement in due course.”

Permission was granted for the development despite Dublin City Council recommending it be refused.

The plans for the 657 apartments and a creche are “not considered to be consistent with the Dublin City Development Plan”, according to Dublin City Council, and have been heavily protested by local residents and politicians.

Last month a council report said there were “significant and outstanding biodiversity issues” and they sought assurances that the development would not affect protected species in the area.

The lands which run along the historic main avenue of St Anne’s Park, are recognised as the most important ex-situ feeding site for the protected migratory light bellied Brent geese who winter on Bull Island according to the ‘I love St Anne’s group.

These birds and their welfare are protected under EU legislation and favour this site because it is separated from the park by a fence which offers protection from predators.  

The appeals board had received more then 650 objections against the proposed development on the land which is designated by Dublin City Council to protect and provide for institutional and community use.

Under the Government's 'fast track' planning rules, Marlet's Crekav Trading was seeking a 10-year permission to construct 657 apartments on the St Anne’s site.

However, the appeals board has granted a five-year permission ensuring that the residential units will be built at a much faster rate.

The development will comprise 378 two-bed apartments, 224 one-bed units and 55 three-bed units across nine apartment blocks ranging in height from five to nine storeys.

The appeals board stated that the proposed development would not seriously injure the residential or visual amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity.

A spokesperson for the ‘I Love St Anne’s’ group said they are “considering all our options at this point.”