A controversial road in south Dublin was given final approval by councillors last night following a two-hour debate.
The 1.2km Monkstown Ring Road, linking the Stradbrook area of Blackrock to Stillorgan Park, was approved by An Bord Pleanála in June. The road requires the demolition of some 16 homes, including Yankee Terrace, a row of 19th century cottages.
Approval was granted by the board following an oral hearing and despite a recommendation from its inspector to reject it.
A strong campaign organised by residents against the road had increased the pressure on Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown councillors before last night's meeting and the debate was accompanied by a noisy protest outside the council offices.
However, last night councillors voted 16 to 11 against a motion to instruct the manager not to proceed with the road, tabled by Green Party Councillor Nessa Childers, Fianna Fáil's Barry Conway and Cllr John Bailey of Fine Gael.
Mr Conway argued that the road would "cut like a scythe" through the local community and Ms Childers said that in an effort to connect two retail areas, the council had forgotten that "people live there too".
However, Cllr Eugene Regan said the road was an essential piece of infrastructure that should go ahead.
County Manager Owen Keegan also strongly endorsed the road. He agreed to offer extra measures to ameliorate against the effects of the road on surrounding houses provided they did not conflict legally with An Bord Pleanála's ruling. And, in a first for the council, he said he would be willing to assist in the provision of double glazing for 40 or so dwellings.
