Carmencita Hederman surprised some of her colleagues on Dublin City Council this week when she described the Spencer Dock development by Treasury Holdings as "the most exciting development to come to the planning committee in my 25 years on the council". The fact that the plan contained numerous high rise buildings "wouldn't bother me", she said.

Alderman Hederman, who was Lord Mayor in 1988, lives in Upper Leeson Street, where one of her neighbours happens to be Richard Barrett, director of Treasury Holdings. In the past, Mrs Hederman has been one of the most vocal conservationists on the council and might have been expected to have serious reservations about what is proposed for Spencer Dock.