Government Chief Whip and Minister of State Tom Kitt has described a planning trend towards high-rise apartment blocks in south Co Dublin as "repugnant".
Planning applications for a number of high-rise apartment blocks, predominantly in the Sandyford and Stillorgan and Donnybrook areas, have increased in recent years as development land becomes more scarce.
At Glencairn, the former British ambassador's residence in Sandyford, permission was granted last week for more than 400 apartments, including a 17-storey tower.
In another recent decision, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council approved a 10-storey "crystal tower" as part of the redevelopment of Dún Laoghaire baths. Last month, the council also approved plans to replace the Stillorgan Bowl and Leisureplex with a residential development including a 15-storey tower.
Describing the trend as "worrying", Mr Kitt said the densities and heights being proposed were of metropolitan style and were unsuited to a suburban environment.
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