Ballymun demolition protest

Environmentalists objecting to the demolition of the Ballymun tower complex are threatening to continue their campaign through…

Environmentalists objecting to the demolition of the Ballymun tower complex are threatening to continue their campaign through the courts after An Bord Pleanala approved the plan yesterday.

A spokesman for Friends of the Irish Environment which had appealed to the planning authority over the decision of Dublin Corporation to grant permission for the demolition, said it was "seriously considering" High Court action.

It has also written to the European Commission, claiming the local authority is in breach of EU law by failing to prepare a proper Environmental Impact Assessment.

Under its £368 million regeneration plan for the area, the corporation will replace the seven tower blocks with conventional housing. In its ruling An Bord Pleanala said the development "would not seriously injure the amenities of the area, would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience, would not be prejudicial to public health and would be in accordance with the proper planning and development of the area".