An Bord Pleanála has overturned a decision to grant planning permission for a controversial six-storey office development overlooking historic buildings in the Kilmainham area of Dublin.
The decision follows an appeal of Dublin Corporation's decision to grant permission to the proposed development in September.
In its decision, An Bord Pleanála said it considered that buildings in the development by reason of their size and proximity would adversely affect the setting of Kilmainham Gaol, Kilmainham Courthouse and the Richmond Guard Tower. It also said the development would visually impinge on two residential terraces nearby.
Kilmainham Gaol dates from 1796 and has strong associations with Irish history. Kilmainham Courthouse dates from the 19th century while the Richmond Guard Tower, originally sited in 1811-12 on the south quays of the River Liffey tower, was moved to its present position in 1847.
The development was proposed by well-known Dublin property developers Mr Johnny Rohan and Mr Richard Barrett through a company called Charmside Developments.
The development was in three blocks comprising six, five and three storeys and was designed to provide 392,380 square feet of office space, a three-level underground car-park for approximately 600 cars, and three retail units totalling 4,843 square feet.
An application to demolish the former Rowntree Mackintosh confectionery factory was also included in the application.