Georges Quay scheme opposed at hearing

A proposed development at Georges Quay would ruin forever the traditional skyline of Dublin, the Irish Georgian Society has claimed. In a submission to the Bord Pleanala hearing on the proposed high-rise development, the society warned that it would make "a significant, adverse and permanent impact on the appearance, character and cultural heritage of the city".

Dublin Corporation decided last October to grant planning permission to the Cosgrave Property Group for the proposed "skyscraper" development of offices, shops and apartments.

Permission was granted subject to the height of the development being reduced to 80 metres. The central office tower now proposed is 73.7 metres and adjoining apartment blocks have also been reduced in height.

At yesterday's hearing, held in the Royal Dublin Hotel in O'Connell Street, Ms Mary Bryan, conservation officer of the Irish Georgian Society, said that the adverse impact of the development was entirely avoidable, as there were no overwhelming social, economic, civic, functional or cultural needs which would justify it.

The society said the development would change the "vital context of the city's 18th-century buildings, such as the Custom House and Trinity College".

Cllr Kevin Humpreys said that all three councillors elected to represent the area were opposed to high-rise developments. He predicted that the project would take between two and three years to build and the noise and dust generated during this time would affect the nearby City Quay national school. This would put already deprived children at a further disadvantage, he said.

Dr P.J. Drudy, of the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies at Trinity College Dublin, said that the developer's proposal for Georges Quay did nothing to help create a socially-mixed and balanced community and did not include any social or affordable housing.

Mr Mick Doyle, one of several local residents who addressed the hearing, said that the community wanted to see apprenticeships and "quality training" given to local people as well as childcare and sports facilities for the young. Locals would not "sell their heritage for cleaning jobs in a glass tower", he said.

The hearing continues today.