David defeats Goliath in Mount Merrion

A DECISION to refuse planning permission for the Union Café development in Mount Merrion has been described as a victory for local residents.

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council turned down the application by Tomose Limited for the construction of a 15,000 sqm retail, car park and residential development at Wilson Road and Deerpark Road. 

According to Deputy Josepha Madigan (FG), the proposed development, a mixed retail and residential apartment scheme, was refused permission on several grounds, including the fact that the scale, siting, layout, bulk and height meant it would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

“This proposed development would be a Gulliver-like building placed in the heart of Lilliput,” Deputy Madigan said.

“Mount Merrion is primarily a mature neighbourhood of family homes. I appreciate that there is a need for housing and these issues need to be addressed.

“However, all development should be proportionate to the area. Dropping a 15,800 sqm development in the heart of Mount Merion is like dropping a giant Gulliver into Lilliput. This proposed development would dominate the whole area. This is an area of suburban homes and this development is completely out of step with the local community. It would be more likely to be seen in suburban Hong Kong, than in suburban Dublin.”

Deputy Madigan added that she was completely behind the Mount Merrion Residents’ Association in their campaign to stop the development.

“I am delighted and relieved that Union Café’s proposed development has been refused planning permission,” she added. “David has so far managed to tame Goliath.

“It proves that an active residents’ association and an active community can go a long way in stopping these unwelcome developments.”

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, expressed his delight that the concerns of local residents had been listened to by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

“The council today has issued a refusal to the planning permission application submitted by Tomose Limited for the construction of a large development at the site of the former Kiely’s Public House, now Union Café, Mount Merrion,” he said.

Minister Ross, together with Independent councillor, Deirdre Donnelly, added that they had worked hard to highlight to the council the problems the proposed structure would cause for local residents.

Minister Ross submitted to the council that there were significant concerns for the locality in relation to traffic congestion, noise pollution and health and safety, if permission was granted.  

Minister Ross added: “I am delighted that the concerns of the residents have been addressed. The proposed development was entirely unsuitable for the area. The bulk and height alone was a matter of great concern for people living locally.”