Nine applications for site refused

Nine successive planning applications for a prominent site in Georgian Dublin were refused before permission was given to builders Brennan and McGowan for an office block, the tribunal has heard.

The Bord Pleanβla order granting permission for a development on the Plantation site on Herbert Street was signed by Mr Anthony J. Lambert in March 1984. Mr Lambert was Mr Ray Burke's full-time constituency manager for many years.

Mr Michael Reynolds, acting Dublin city planning officer, told the tribunal that the first planning application to build offices on the site was made in 1965. Dublin Corporation refused permission because it was intended to keep the property as private open space. The Plantation was home to a long-established stand of mature trees and served as a park for many years. This application was appealed to the Minister for Local Government, who issued a refusal.

Mr Reynolds said there were further applications in 1968 and 1969. These were refused. They were also refused on appeal.

In 1975, Finnegan Menton auctioneers applied on behalf of the owners, the Pembroke Estate, for permission to use the site as a car park. This application was refused. An appeal to the Minister for the Environment was also refused.

However, in 1976, An Bord Pleanβla decided that the site could be used as a car park. It said that if an application was received for a car park, it should be granted. However, no such application was lodged.

Mr John Finnegan later introduced the property to Brennan and McGowan, who bought it for £40,000. In March 1983, one of their companies, Criteria Developments, applied for permission to build a three-storey over-basement block and seven flats. The application was made on Criteria's behalf by architect Mr Brian O'Halloran.

Permission was refused. However, the board granted permission on appeal, in a decision signed by Mr Lambert on March 9th. The only condition was that some of the trees should be retained. An Taisce described the decision as "wicked".

Mr O'Halloran told the tribunal yesterday that Mr Finnegan had a "hands-on" involvement in the planning application by Criteria. "That was his style." Brennan and McGowan later sold the Plantation for £261,000, the tribunal has heard in earlier evidence. Mr Finnegan claimed he was owed £50,000 by the builders.