National Library book repository appealed

A firm of solicitors has appealed planning permission for the construction of a seven-storey book repository to the rear of the National Library on Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

The OPW - on behalf of the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism - is looking to build a 6,180sq m (66,521sq ft) repository building with a glazed link bridge from the fifth level of the repository to a new landing at the north end of the former NCAD building on Kildare Street.

In a submission to An Bord Pleanála, Declan Gardiner of PD Gardiner & Co solicitors says the proposed development was granted permission by Dublin City Council without taking into account any observations made by his firm.

Gardiner says the site abuts the rear wall of their company's premises at numbers 15/17 South Leinster Street and that the excavation required to construct the repository would "create intolerable noise" and damage to the foundation of their building.

He also contends that the narrow Leinster Lane is unsuitable for such a large scale development.

Built in the late 1880s to a design by Sir Thomas Newenham Deane, the National Library is one of a pair, matched on the other side of Leinster House by the National Museum.

In 2003 An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission to extend the library despite opposition from the Royal College of Physicians.

The college, located at 6 Kildare Street, had appealed planning permission granted by Dublin City Council for the project.

This project involved the demolition of a 1920s extension and a 1960s single-storey flat-roof extension, and the construction of a new five-storey block to the rear of the original late 19th century building.