A question arose at the Luas Green Line extension inquiry as to the ownership of certain lands at the former British ambassador's residence at Glencairn in south Co Dublin.
The issue was raised yesterday by counsel for the owners of a protected 18th-century house which is due to be demolished under the extension plan.
The Railway Procurement Agency is seeking permission to build a 7.5km extension to the Luas Green Line from Sandyford to Cherrywood at an estimated cost of € 200 million.
Eamon Galligan SC said the environmental impact statement (EIS) did not adequately consider alternative routes which would avoid the demolition of his clients' home. He said one alternative would be to run the line through what he stated were the former grounds of the British embassy residence. He said the lands were now owned by a developer.
Maurice Gaffney SC, for the Railway Procurement Agency, said the route was constrained by Murphystown Castle and Glencairn House, the British ambassador's residence, both protected structures, Mr Gaffney said.
He added: "Under the law, lands of an ambassador, a foreign potentate, are sacred, and taking those lands just couldn't happen."
Mr Galligan said he referred to them as the former lands of the ambassador. The inquiry is now concluded.