Rialto Residents Association has lost its appeal to An Bord Pleanála to halt the construction of an apartment scheme at the former Dolphin's Barn ice rink in Dublin 8.
R J Manufacturing was looking to demolish the ice rink and replace it with a mixed use seven-storey scheme of around 56 apartments. However, one of the conditions of planning permission stipulated by Dublin City Council was that the number of apartments be reduced to 35 and the height of the scheme be lowered by two storeys.
In its appeal, Rialto Residents Association contended that the height of the development, which is bounded by Reuben Square, is unsuitable for the area and pointed to the failure of previous high rise schemes in the area, like Fatima Mansions and Dolphin House.
It said that there is a lack of amenities in the area, including green space, sports facilities and playgrounds.
The association claimed that many of the new apartment developments in the area are controlled by buzzer entry systems and electronically controlled gates which prevent community living.
The Bord Pleanála inspector's report describes the ice rink as in a derelict state and an "eyesore".
The developer, R J manufacturing, appealed against several conditions of permission imposed by Dublin City Council, including one to reduce the number of apartments by a reduction of 40 per cent and lower the height of the development on to Dolphin's Barn to five storeys.
An Bord Pleanála upheld Dublin City Council's ruling that the developer omit 20 apartments to provide more communal open space and said the height should be reduced to five storeys plus penthouse level.
