Up to 90 residents protested on the Murphystown Road in Leopardstown, south Co Dublin, yesterday over the proposed development of six apartment blocks, including a 17-storey tower, at the Leopardstown intersection.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has granted Glencairn Developments Ltd permission to develop 405 apartments on a 5.7-acre site, despite 135 objections from residents of Leopardstown Heights. An Bord Pleanála is considering the proposed development. The board said it should have a decision by August 23rd.
Austin Nolan of the residents association said this was the first in a series of weekly or bi-weekly protests. Another resident, Tom Talbot, added that the M50 might be the next target.
Declan McCullagh, senior executive officer with the planning department of the council, said all planning applications were considered under the Planning and Development Act 2000 and in accordance with the County Development Plan 2004 adapted last year.
An Taisce has also written to An Bord Pleanála outlining its opposition to the development.
The residents of Leopardstown Heights are protesting over the height, density and visual impact of the proposed development.
Gardaí marshalled the protest and were forced to divert a one- way traffic system to minimise disruption.
The British ambassador to Ireland and the British military attaché live in the direct vicinity of the proposed Glencairn site.