Thumbs up for 100-unit schemeA residential scheme in Dún Laoghaire has got the green light from An Bord Pleanála. Going against its inspector's advice, An Bord Pleanála granted approval for a 100-unit apartment scheme at Kensington Lodge House, Rochestown Avenue, beside Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art and Design.
Developers Patrick McGuire and Martin Monaghan are planning to refurbish Kensington Lodge, a protected structure, change mews buildings into apartments and build three apartment blocks.
The planning board's inspector recommended that the scheme be refused as it would detract from the protected structure and result in the loss of trees and shrubs. But the board disagreed and upheld the council's decision to grant permission.
Meanwhile, the council has refused permission for a six-storey apartment block also on Rochestown Avenue. The Torc Group was seeking to demolish Culgrenagh House for 99 units.
Objections to Iveagh Markets plan
Plans for a major mixed-use scheme at the Iveagh Markets in Dublin's Liberties have met considerable opposition.
Thirty objections have been received to businessman Martin Keane's plans to build a seven-storey hotel and retail units on two sites (22-27 Francis Street and 20-21 Francis Street and 8 Lamb Alley) with a total site area of 0.663 hectares. Keane is also proposing to redevelop the former Iveagh Markets for use as a "multi-function" market and retail centre.
The proposed scheme, to face the historic Tailors' Hall, is described as a "monolithic six-storey cliff" by An Taisce, which is among the objectors and also operates out of Tailors' Hall.
Sandymount scheme approved
Dublin City Council has approved Bryan Cullen's plans for an apartment scheme in Sandymount. Cullen has been given the green light to build 42 apartments and six houses on a 0.5-hectare site at Gilford Road. Last year the council refused permission for a 57-unit scheme on the same site.
The site was purchased by the developer in 2005 from the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Africa for over €16 million. The scheme will comprise two three- and four-storey apartment blocks and a terrace of townhouses.
The developer's plan for a 44-unit scheme on another Sandymount site was refused by An Bord Pleanála last month.
