THE DEPARTMENT of Defence has appealed a proposal to redevelop Muldowneys bar in Rathcoole, Co Dublin, into a four-storey residential and retail development to An Bord Pleanála because it could pose a risk “to aircraft approaching and departing Casement Aerodrome at Baldonnel”.

Frank and Mark Smith are looking to demolish the pub and business centre, as well as cottages and outbuildings, and build 68 apartments,seven houses, a new pub and two shops in three blocks ranging from three to four storey developments..

The department says the proposed development is located within the safety cone for runway 05 at Casement Aerodrome “which conflicts with the Department of Defence’s safeguarding policy for Casement”. The appeal says that pilot training regularly occurs “with both novice and experienced pilots. It is the opinion of the Department that this development could pose a risk to aircraft approaching and departing Casement.

“This risk would also pose a threat to members of the public should an incident occur at the site in question,” says the appeal.

Right: Aer Corp officers at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel. Photograph: Alan Betson