LOCAL RESIDENTS around George’s Quay in south inner city Dublin have called on councillors to oppose plans for high-rise development in the area, which includes a 22-storey building at Tara Street rail station.
The George’s Quay plan is due to come before councillors in Dublin City Council today.
It covers the area from Lombard Street to Hawkins Street, where the Department of Health building stands, and from the quays to Townsend Street and part of Pearse Street. It includes a 22- storey building at Tara Street and two 15-storey buildings on Gloucester Street beside the City Quay school and church.
In February, An Bord Pleanála gave permission to Iarnród Éireann to redevelop Tara Street station, but only when its height was reduced from the 15 storeys sought to 12. It had said the 15- storey proposal “would be visually obtrusive”, would “adversely affect the setting of the Custom House” and would “unduly detract from the visual character and amenities of the city centre”.
Resident John Augusta said locals were disappointed they were told nothing about the plan. Although the plan was put out for public consultation in 2008, he said residents did not see advertisements to that effect in the newspaper.
Local Labour Party councillor Kevin Humphreys said there had been public consultation on the plan including a leaflet drop and a public meeting. Councillors, including Mr Humphreys, had approved the plan at a local area committee meeting in March.
