A south Dublin city park which was the subject of a court injunction to prevent its use as a car park, is to be used as a "showroom" for its owner's tile company.
Marble and Granite Tiles will open a "portable showroom" at Dartmouth Square, Ranelagh, this morning, according to its owner, Noel O'Gara.
The square was at the centre of a controversy last year when Mr O'Gara, Ballinahowen, Athlone, Co Westmeath, attempted to open a public car park there.
He claimed he had purchased the square from the Darley family, which owned it since it first opened in the 19th century.
Dublin City Council got an injunction to prevent Mr O'Gara opening the car park and subsequently applied to acquire the square by compulsory purchase order, which was granted by An Bord Pleanála.
However, negotiations concerning the value of the land have not been concluded.
Mr O'Gara said yesterday he was entitled to do what he wished with his own land, including opening a tile showroom there.
"The site will be an ideal showroom for my business," he said.
"I don't see that I'm doing any harm to anyone. I have a constitutional right to open a business there if I want to."
On Saturday, Mr O'Gara attempted to erect a sign at the park to advertise his business. Following complaints from local residents, a planning enforcement officer from the council inspected the park.
He took photos and informed Mr O'Gara that if he attempted to open his business, he would be in breach of planning regulations, as it would amount to a change of use of the site.
The park is zoned for open space and amenity.
However, Mr O'Gara said he would continue with his plans and would erect a sign and stands for his tiles, which he would transport to the square daily.
He has also advertised Dartmouth Square as the location of his showrooms on the side of his company van.
Local Fianna Fail councillor Chris Andrews said he was surprised and disappointed that Mr O'Gara would decide to breach planning regulations after a process had been put in place to deal with the square.
"It is very serious that he can challenge planning procedures in such a bare-faced way," Mr Andrews said.
"His action highlights that he is clearly an opportunist and devoid of any social responsibility."
