THE OFFICIAL Palestinian delegation has become embroiled in a planning dispute in Blackrock, Co Dublin, in its search for a home.
Six weeks ago, the General Delegation of Palestine in Ireland withdrew a planning application for its headquarters at 10 Mount Merrion Avenue after it prompted objections by local residents, including Fine Gael councillor Marie Baker.
The delegation then signalled its intention to find a new home following opposition to its plans to occupy the building it leased last November as a mixed-use office and residential facility.
However the delegation has now lodged a fresh application with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, requesting permission to continue using the residential-zoned building as an office space.
The application, which includes a request to raise the Palestinian flag on the front lawn, has infuriated local residents.
"It's madness," said Ms Baker. "There isn't any parking outside the door as it is. If this house is allowed to be used as office, it will create a domino effect. The immediate neighbours are very annoyed that an office was quietly set up next door under their noses."
Planning documents relating to the initial application reveal that objectors threatened legal action against the proposal on the grounds that an office facility was proposed for a road zoned only for residential use.
A response drawn up by the delegation's legal representatives said it was unaware of the planning requirements when taking the lease and any unauthorised development was unintentional.
"Once a more suitable alternative property has been found, our client intends to relocate. In the meantime, the property will be used for residential purposes.
"Our client also received a warning letter from the local authority and is working in co-operation with them in relation to the matter."
While six objections to the application were received, the letters carried the names of several residents and residents' groups. The objections stress the application should have been for retention of an unauthorised development, as no permission had been sought to approve of the current office use.
Before council planners announced their decision, agents for the delegation withdrew the application. It is now seeking permission to retain use of the building as a mixed-use facility.
Ms Baker said: "The application, if granted, will set a precedent for commercial use in what is a residential protected terrace. We are not at all against the Palestinians themselves and object purely on the grounds it will start a ripple effect of office use." The delegation was unavailable for comment.