'Devasted' by planning decision

Rialto Resident's Association has criticised recent planning decisions for the Rialto area which its says is being bombarded by planning applications for high density developments in an already highly populated area with a lack of public amenities "and a crippling drug problem".

The association, which says it represents a large proportion of residents in Rialto, Dublin 8 and has two representatives on the Fatima Regeneration board, says it is "devastated" at a recent decision by An Bord Pleanála to grant permission for two part 10-storey apartment blocks at the corner between Reuben Street and Dolphins Barn. Diamond Leather Ltd was granted permission to build two blocks of 64 apartments, two retail units, four live work units, and 30 car-parking spaces at basement level on the site.

In its appeal, Rialto Residents Association said that the two-storey redbrick houses on narrow Reuben Street would be dwarfed and overshadowed by the 10-storey proposal and pointed out that eight stories was deemed too high for the Fatima regeneration plan, which was reduced to five.

It said there is no green space, sports facilities or playgrounds in the immediate area and expressed concern that the proliferation of gated communities in the area would be "blueprints for future ghettos", making areas like Cork Street "dead at street level".

The applicant, Diamond Leather Ltd, responded that the development may act as a catalyst for further renewal in the area, and said it was intended as a landmark building which relates to surrounding buildings like the six-storey Coombe hospital and a new apartment building to the west of the site. Dublin City Council, which owns the site, said the density is reasonable for an inner city site and the building was on a key position along the Cork Street corridor which was identified as requiring a landmark building. It said the 10-storey pop up element is necessary to deliver this. It argued that there is a "significant level" of existing and proposed community facilities in the area supported by the council.

"Would this happen in Ranelagh or Howth?" says Claire Whitney, chair of Rialto Residents Association, who says while they recognise the need for higher densities "the latest plan for our area beggars belief - 10 storeys adjacent to two-storey redbrick".

There is also local opposition to a proposed eight-storey development at Herberton Bridge, in Rialto.

"The perception now is that all development will be granted permission and that planning of the city is now in the hands of businessmen. Objections from this post code seemed to have little bearing on this planning decision. Is it because there is a low turnout at election time or is it because there is a low tax return from this area. The perception locally is that planners will put anything into Rialto and Dolphins Barn."