Local anger at plans to build 20-storey tower block in Lucan

ANGRY Lucan residents are planning to fight a proposal to build three tower blocks on the N4.

This follows the lodging of an application on October 15 by Fox Connect Ltd to build 161 apartments on the site of the Foxhunter Pub.

The application includes two three-story blocks and a 20-storey tower block.

Local Fianna Fail Councillor Shane Moynihan recently hosted an online meeting to discuss the contentious proposed development.

“We had over 100 people attending online, many more than I was expecting,” he told Southside People.

“There is a lot of resistance to these plans within the local community, and the idea of tower blocks in Lucan will be opposed.

“The planned 20-storey tower block would be totally out of character with the local area. I think the current highest building in Lucan is four to five storeys high.

“Also, the site it is not zoned for residential purposes. I will be opposing this application as I don’t think it makes sense,” he added.

“Development needs to be sustainable and I don’t believe this will be sustainable.

“I have been inundated with enquiries from constituents, however, this issue is above politics, it’s about engagement in the future.

“There was a lot of energy evident at Wednesday’s meeting, with people are ready for the challenge ahead.”

Local Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins is also opposed to the proposed development.

“I believe there are serious issues with this proposed development and will be outlining them in my submission to the council,” Deputy Higgins told Southside People.

“Back in 2015, I worked with former Cllr William Lavelle to get the zoning for this site changed to retail warehouse to allow for Avoca to set up business there.

“Retail Warehouse zoning does not allow for residential on the site plain and simple.

“The County Plan clearly sets out that a 20-storey block would be totally at odds with the County Development Plan.

“I attended the public meeting organised by residents of Hermitage last week and Cllr Moynihan’s this week, both of which were very useful.

“I would encourage anyone interested in finding out more about this to ‘like’ the new facebook page Foxhunter Lucan Development Plans to get involved with, and support, the community campaign.”

Cllr Madeleine Johansson of People Before Profit (PBP) is also opposed to the planned tower blocks.

“This development is completely out of proportion in relation to the existing residential area,” she said.

“This will increase traffic in the estate and have a negative impact on existing residents.”

Southside People were unable to make contact with Fox Connect Ltd at the time of going to press.