Residents appeal Drimnagh plan

Two residents groups have opposed plans by Cosgrave Developments to build a residential and office development at Slievebloom Park in Drimnagh, Dublin 12.

The groups have appealed planning permission granted by Dublin City Council for a 241-apartment development as well as 132 live/work units, a crèche, and 611sq m (6,577sq ft) of office accommodation.

In their appeal to An Bord Pleanála, the residents of Mangerton Road said that, although the existing industrial complex has been an eyesore, it is low lying and nestles into the landscape.

They expressed concern about the density of the proposed development, which consists of eight blocks rising in height to 25 metres. They said it would have "a huge impact visually and environmentally" and the height will affect their privacy and cause overlooking. They say the scheme will provide "an unsightly backdrop" to Drimnagh Castle and that the volume of cars entering and exiting the development will result in congestion and a back-up into Slievebloom Park. The area is a protected city wildlife sanctuary, and the development will pose a threat to existing species.

Slievebloom Park and Lansdowne Valley Residents Association also cited potential traffic congestion as an issue in their appeal.

They say the road exiting from Slievebloom Park is a slip road onto a busy dual-carriageway and cannot handle the volume of traffic from the proposed new development.