Developers proposing an office and technology park opposite Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin have dismissed claims that the site has historical significance.
A consultant for the developers complained at an oral planning hearing of attempts by the objectors to link the former Nestlé site in Kilmainham with "everyone from Brian Boru to Pádraig Pearse".
"All its uses were industrial, not heritage. It was making Kit-Kats. That's the simple fact," said Mr Tom Phillips, representing developers Charmside Ltd, a subsidiary of Treasury Holdings.
Mr Phillips was speaking on the second day of the hearing following presentations by the Friends of Kilmainham Gaol grouping who argued that the office park, which is six stories high in places, would dwarf the neighbouring 200-year-old jail which is now a museum, national monument and tourist attraction.
They also argued the complex would be out of place in the largely Victorian neighbourhood which is also home to Kilmainham Courthouse, the Royal Hospital, Richmond Tower, ancient burial grounds, a holy well and other noted buildings and protected structures.
They want the site redeveloped as a heritage park instead.
Mr Phillips argued that the proposal was appropriate for the location as the site was zoned for enterprise and employment.
It was also in sympathy with its surroundings, he said. On the insistence of Dublin City Council, which had granted permission for it, it would feature large amounts of natural stone, possibly granite and limestone, so that it was in keeping with the jail and other buildings.
Mr Phillips disputed a claim by the Friends that up to 4,000 workers would be employed at the complex and that the extra cars would severely disrupt traffic.
He said a maximum of 2,000 people would be employed and the developers would run a shuttle bus service between the complex and Heuston Station so staff could commute by rail.
The appeal heard the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) was concerned about the impact on traffic and had recommended a halving of the 582 car parking spaces planned.
The DTO was also unhappy with the type of traffic survey carried out by Charmside to accompany its planning application.
Mr Phillips said the survey complied with the requirements of Dublin City Council.
He said it was not the fault of developers if the two authorities used different methods of assessment.
Mr Phillips pointed out that Dúchas, the heritage service which has responsibility for Kilmainham Gaol and other national monuments, had expressed no formal opinion when Charmside asked for its views on the development.
Mr Edward Burke, a Dúchas archeologist, confirmed to the hearing that the only comment the service was making was that it wanted a thorough archaeological survey carried out on the site prior to development.
"You can read from that that they do not have concerns about the protected structures," said Mr Phillips.
Mr Phillips also noted that the site had been the subject of four previous planning applications for industrial developments which had all been granted.
"You would think we were dealing with a virgin sacrosanct site here.
"We are dealing with a chocolate factory churning out chocolate bars with all the odours and traffic associated with that."
Charmside are to due resume their presentation this morning with technical information from designers and engineers.
The hearing is expected to finish today.