Residents of a long-established apartment complex in Clontarf, on the north side of Dublin, are fighting plans to build 10 additional blocks on the site.
Sherborough Enterprises Ltd - controlled by the hotelier and property developer, Mr Noel O'Callaghan - has sought planning permission for a further 95 apartments at Seapark, Mount Prospect Road, Clontarf.
The proposed apartments would be arranged in one seven- storey block, which would be built in the central green space, five four-storey blocks and four three-storey blocks, with underground parking for 142 cars.
The existing complex, most of which dates from around 1970, consists of 134 apartments in 13 blocks as well as 16 town houses. Six of its blocks overlook the central green space now proposed for redevelopment.
When Seapark was built, the apartments were rented and some are still occupied by the original tenants, many of whom are now elderly. "As you can imagine, they are outraged," said one resident, Ms Ann Farrell.
Some 12 years ago, when Sherborough attempted to de-tenant the complex with a view to selling the apartments, this move was resisted by the residents, who were later given the option to buy at discounted prices.
Now, they are faced with the potential loss of a "lovely green space" as well as being overlooked by a "seven-storey monstrosity", Ms Farrell said, adding that the residents were planning to fight this development.
"We are currently trying to organise ourselves, but most of us have no experience of what to do," she said. "Organising people to fight is difficult as a lot of people don't know each other - sadly a sign of our times." Ms Breda Hughes, who has been a resident of Seapark for 32 years, said she believed that the environmental and human impact of further development on the site "would have a catastrophic effect on our community".
In a letter to Dublin City Council's planners yesterday, she said that "as Christmas approaches, our hearts are heavy" over the proposed removal of chestnut and poplar trees "and what green space we still have".
Cllr Gerry Breen (FG) said it was an unusual case because it involved residents "not owning where they live". Though some development was likely to take place, he would resist the "worst excesses" of the proposal.
Sherborough's planning application was lodged on December 9th, so the residents of Seapark, described as a socially mixed community, have until January 21st to lodge their objections.
The developer, Mr O'Callaghan, owns a string of hotels in the centre of Dublin, including the Mont Clare, the Davenport, the Alexander and the St Stephen's Green Hotel. He is also a director of Bord Fáilte.
Mr O'Callaghan could not be contacted yesterday. However, his agents say the scheme for Seapark would be in line with residential density guidelines.
