Ossian Smyth calls for revisions to Dún Laoghaire scheme

A Green Party junior minister has put himself at odds with constituents by arguing that a contentious residential scheme for Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, should be revised to include additional units.

In a submission concerning a 24-unit residential plan next to Dún Laoghaire town centre, Minister for State Ossian Smyth has told Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council that the scheme should be reconfigured to include more dwelling units and fewer car parking spaces.

At the end of November last, Carrickreagh Developments Limited lodged plans for the construction of 24 residential units consisting of eight two-bed apartments in a four-storey block, seven three-bed houses and nine four-bed houses in a terrace of three-storey houses at Tivoli Road, Dún Laoghaire.

Minimum density

Mr Smyth, a local TD, said the scheme achieved a density of just 31.9 units per hectare, falling short of the minimum density recommended of 35 units per hectare.

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Requesting that revised plans be lodged, Mr Smyth said the proposal would have a significant negative impact on biodiversity, the character of the area, heritage and road safety. He said the scheme included 51 car parking spaces and most should be removed as part of revised plans.

Mr Smyth’s views on the density of the scheme run contrary to those of the Dún Laoghaire Central Residents’ Association, which is one of more than 60 parties to object to the scheme.

The residents’ association has told the council that the overall size and density of the development, in particular the four-storey apartment block, seem to be excessive for its location.

Protected lane

In a separate submission, Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett TD (People Before Profit Solidarity) has claimed that the scheme represents overdevelopment of the site.

An objection on behalf of 30 households at Durham Place, Carlisle Terrace and Royal Terrace by Armstrong Planning said the scheme would exert an overbearing impact on the protected lane.

Planning consultant for the scheme John Spain said the proposal "entails a high-quality residential development at a highly accessible location and will make a positive contribution to the local urban environment".

As part of a raft of further information requested, the council has asked the applicants to submit revised plans and scale back the planned four-storey apartment block to address the local authority’s concerns.