Appeal expected over Dawson Street car-park

A consortium which includes the Royal Irish Automobile Club is expected to lodge an appeal with An Bord Pleanala against Dublin Corporation's decision to refuse planning permission for a four-storey over basement clubhouse and multi-storey car-park on the site of the RIAC garage at Dawson Street and Anne's Lane. The car-park was to have linked up with The Stephen's Green Club. The corporation, which has a controlling interest in the nearby Schoolhouse Lane car-park, argued that the proposed development would result in "over provision of car-parking in this sector of the city". It also ruled that the height and bulk would be incompatible with its setting and site coverage; that the plot ratio would be three times the maximum permitted under the 1991 development plan and the demolition of List 2 buildings at 33 and 34 Dawson Street was "unwarranted".