A planned apartment scheme in Carrickmines has been criticised by An Taisce as it does not respect natural granite rock outcrops on the site.

The environmental organisation has called on An Bord Pleanála to refuse permission for a 74-unit apartment development at Knockree House on Glenamuck Road because it does not incorporate the ice age formations.

The scheme, if it gets the go-ahead, will see the demolition of Knockree House and the construction of four five-storey apartment blocks on the 1.9-acre site.

The house, previously owned by Shirley and John Beatty who regularly opened the gardens to the public, is dominated by granite formations and rock pools.

The property was sold to Rockridge Developments, headed by Michael Keaveney and Brigid Dunne Keaveney, last year.

The developer also wants to demolish two neighbouring houses - Benolagh and Blackberry Hill (previously owned by Senator Shane Ross) - to make way for 58 apartments.

Describing the rock outcrops as "significant natural features of geological interests", An Taisce stated in a letter to An Bord Pleanála that they should be retained.

"We urge that the natural rock outcrops would be accorded the respect that they deserve in the layout and landscaping of any development that may be approved for the site."