High-rise plan for Dublin postponed

Dublin City Council officials have decided to postpone a high-rise plan for the capital.

The plan was due to be put out for public consultation but has now been withdrawn because of opposition from councillors.

The Maximising the City's Potential proposals would have allowed developments of over 16 storeys in five locations in the city centre: the Docklands, Connolly, Heuston and Tara Street train stations and in the Thomas Street area.
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A further ten suburban areas, including Phibsboro, Ballyfermot and the Naas Road, would have allowed buildings up to 16 storeys.

However assistant city manager Michael Stubbs said because of opposition from councillors at an information meeting, it has now been decided to put the plan back until a new development plan is started next October.

Councillors had expressed concern that the plans were being 'rushed through' despite a lack of demand resulting from the economic downturn.

Tonight Labour councillor Emer Costelloe said officials should now revise the whole plan and not come back with the same one in October.

Earlier the meeting heard that height is now being reduced in the Liberties Area Plan from a maximum of 23 storeys to 12.

Later tonight the monthly meeting will hear an emergency motion proposing an independent investigation into officials' decision to grant partial planning permission to Sean Dunne's Ballsbridge scheme, which was turned down in its entirety by An Bord Pleanála.

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