Council rejects high-rise in scenic harbour
Saturday January 27 2007
The ten-storey complex for Carlisle Pier has been proposed by Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company as part of a €300m project.
But a new study commissioned by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co Council has recommended that no tall buildings be built along the south Dublin coastline.
This will come as good news to the citizens of the seaside town who recently forced the local council to ditch plans to build high-rise apartments on the site of the derelict swimming baths.
Leisure
The latest development proposal includes plans for a National Marine Life Centre, a 127-bed hotel, 229 apartments, retail and leisure complexes and a floating stage.
In the Tall Buildings Study, Consultant Urban Initiatives has recommended that no tall buildings be approved for the south Dublin coastline.
Despite the new study by Consultant Urban Initiatives, the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company said it still intended to lodge an application seeking planning permission for the project.
"The Harbour Company hasn't seen or studied the report as yet, and is in pre-planning discussions with the council about lodging a planning application," a spokesman said.
But the new study says Dun Laoghaire Rathdown has "important" views - including across Dublin Bay, from the East Pier lighthouse and from the Dublin mountains overlooking the seaside town - which should be protected.
It recommends that the maximum height of buildings in the county should be seven storeys, except in certain areas.
It is suggested in the report that "strategic landmark" buildings of up to 20 storeys could be considered in appropriate areas, such as Sandyford. Buildings could rise to eight storeys in Cherrywood - up from five at present - and up to 12 storeys at UCD.
Buildings of up to six storeys could be allowed in suburban areas, including Stillorgan, Blackrock and Dalkey, with Shankill and Sallynoggin having a maximum height of five.
"The initial recommendations of the Tall Buildings Study commissioned by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has ruled out the Carlisle Pier Development in Dun Laoghaire Harbour," Cathaoirleach Cllr Eugene Regan (FG) said yesterday.
Conservation
"Urban Initiatives has ruled out tall buildings in conservation areas and along the Dun Laoghaire coastline." He said no planning application had been made to date for the development.
"There are serious doubts that the proposed development for the Carlisle Pier actually complies with the requirements of the county development plan.
"This is particularly the case in relation to the need for the development to incorporate uses that bring significant cultural, social, recreational and economic benefits to the town," Cllr Regan said.
Submissions on the study can be made before February 8 next.
- Paul Melia
