Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has moved to cap the height of new building developments in "preservation areas" along Dublin's south-east coast.
Following a recent decision to ban any buildings which impinge on views of the sea from coast roads, new developments will be restricted to the height of surroun ding buildings. The areas include Monkstown, Dun Laoghaire, Glasthule and Dalkey-Killiney.
Speaking at last night's review of the development plan at Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Ms Jane Dillon Byrne (Labour) said: "The area we are responsible for is a series of small towns and villages. The people who live in them want them to remain as such."
The import of the recommendation would be to restrict development to the roofline of neighbouring buildings. "It doesn't mean that the buildings will all be the same, but the integrity of the villages would be retained. We must prevent damage to things which have been recognised as worth preserving," she said.
The recommendation, which was carried unopposed, is likely to restrict seriously the opportunity for new high-level apartments which have become popular in the area.
The council also agreed with the County Manager's recommendation to restrict development at Rathmichael in south Co Dublin. Councillors were told the draft development plan should "recognise the special environmental qualities and the distinctive character of the Rathmichael area".