Critical developer to reapply with new scheme

FIRM'S REACTION:PROPERTY DEVELOPER Seán Dunne will reapply for planning permission for development of his Ballsbridge site, Mr Dunne's company Mountbrook Homes said yesterday.

In a criticism of An Bord Pleanála and the planning process, Mountbrook said “the current system is lengthy, expensive, confusing and unworkable”.

Referring to difficulties the company experienced with An Bord Pleanála decisions in Greystones, Co Wicklow, and elsewhere, the statement quoted from the planning board’s annual report in which chairman John O’Connor said: “Planning in this country must respond to the more difficult economic situation in the period ahead and, at the same time, face up to climate change.”

The statement went on to say there were now “apparent contradictions within our planning system” which were detrimental to the country’s economic progress, job creation and development.

But it said the company would “consider An Bord Pleanála’s decision before submitting a revised application in accordance with the primarily residential zoning”.

Referring specifically to the rejected scheme, Mountbrook said it would “have broken the mould for Ireland in terms of providing a high-class mixed use development on this strategic site”.

The company maintained: “The significant economic benefits and job creation opportunities of the proposed development would have created a much needed boost to Ireland in these current harsh economic times.”

It argued that “the proposed development had a construction capital investment of €1 billion, would have provided 970 on-site construction jobs per year for seven years, with an equivalent number off-site and, when completed, would have created over 5,400 permanent jobs as well as contributing €400 million to the city’s economy each year”.

Mountbrook also expressed disappointment “for the Ringsend and Irishtown residents as the proposed development provided for a new community centre in Ringsend including sports hall, 100-place creche, day-care centre, youth club, including offices and health services”.

But the company said business continued to thrive at D4Hotels.com, the Ballsbridge Inn, Ballsbridge Towers and Ballsbridge Court Hotels, which would remain open for business for the foreseeable future.

It said D4hotels.com has proved to be a resounding commercial success.

The statement included an expression of regret from the scheme architect, Ian Ritchie, who was quoted as saying: “For all good architects it is not our immediate pay-master that is most important, it is what we are building for the future and generations to come. When one has an exceptional client with a vision for the city beyond his own self-interest, it is a rare opportunity for the architect to contribute. Cities are built by acts of will and not simply remaining with the status quo.”

Mountbrook said it very much welcomed “Environment Minister John Gormley’s proposals to introduce new planning legislation”.