The conservation group An Taisce has strongly criticised An Bord Pleanala's decision to approve plans for a housing scheme in Dublin's Liffey valley.
A spokesman said the organisation was "astonished" that the board had reversed two earlier decisions in order to let the 282house project at Laraghcon, near Lucan, proceed. Describing the area's rezoning as "one of the most notorious" in the 1993 county development plan, An Taisce said the stated reasons for the board's approval were "not consistent" with the proper planning and development of the Liffey valley and its environs.
"These lands are of great scenic value, forming a long green hill that rises steeply to the north of the river Liffey. They also form a key stretch of open countryside separating Lucan from Clonsilla and Blanchardstown.
"The area has a very inadequate road network and no public transport. The result is there will be traffic congestion at Lucan Bridge, and it will also put unnecessary pressure on the Strawberry Beds, which is undesirable in the interests of retaining its rural character."
The Green Party also expressed anger at the decision, which it said should not have been made before the Flood tribunal completed its investigations into the 1993 rezonings.
A party councillor, Mr Paul Gogarty, added: "There are serious questions to be asked regarding the rezoning of Laraghcon and these have already been touched upon by the Flood tribunal. Granting permission at this stage is highly irresponsible considering the fact that further information on the origins of the rezoning is likely in the near future.
"Once the houses go up, they cannot be torn down, no matter what comes to light. The site overlooks the protected special amenity area lands of the Liffey valley and should never have been rezoned in the first place. The original rezoning was opposed by an overwhelming majority in Lucan."
Mr Gogarty said that the Laraghcon scheme would have a detrimental effect on traffic in Lucan and would create a precedent for further housing between Lucan and the Clonsilla and Blanchardstown areas.
Plans for a new town of 10,000 houses were already under way at Adamstown, south of Lucan, he said, adding: "Enough is enough."
