The controversial €100 million office development at the RDS site in Dublin has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála, subject to conditions.
Planning permission has been granted for four of the five proposed multi-storey office blocks and for new facilities and paddocks.
The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) management had stated that the society would have to move from the prestigious Ballsbridge site in Dublin 4 if permission was not given. Now, An Bord Pleanála has ruled that the scheme would facilitate the long-term use of the site by the RDS.
The main change to the proposed development is the condition that one of the five office blocks be omitted from the scheme.
However, An Bord Pleanála decided that, overall, the proposed development, subject to the conditions, would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity.
"It is considered that it [the proposed development] would not materially or adversely affect the character or setting of protected structures, would facilitate the consolidation of the long-term use of the overall site of the Royal Dublin Society at this location and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience," the board ruled.
The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, it concluded.
The four office blocks, to be built at Simmonscourt Road, will vary in height from four to six storeys over basement with provision for 189 underground parking spaces.
The development on 16.05 hectares at the RDS lands will also include the upgrading and refurbishment of the Anglesea Stand as well as RDS offices and hospitality accommodation and the demolition of some buildings including the Paddock Hall South.
The plan also accounts for the relocation of the pocket area to the site of the demolished terrace and construction of two multi-purpose buildings in place of Paddock Hall South and Shrewsbury Hall.
There will also be a new hard landscaped plaza area on Simmonscourt Road and a tree-lined boulevard linking the Simmonscourt Pavilion with the main arena.
The board ruled that the first office block be omitted except for basement level. The resulting free area should be used generally in relation to normal arena-side activities, it said.
The condition was made to protect arena-based activities and to allow for a stronger visual and physical link between the main site and the Simmonscourt lands.
The board has also made a condition relating to the adjoining Poor Clares' convent. The sisters had objected to the plan as they said the office blocks overlooked their land.
An Bord Pleanála ruled that prior to the start of the development, revised drawings and plans should be agreed with the planning authority in relation to the fourth office block.
"This elevation shall be revised by the introduction of louvres or a saw-tooth design to prevent overlooking of the adjoining convent," the authority stated.
The board specified 19 conditions including that the arena clock and the Hibernia statue be relocated on site.
Other conditions involve the timing of occupation of offices relating to progress of work on the RDS buildings, preservation of any archaeological materials on site, and protection of trees.
Yesterday, the chief executive of the RDS, Mr Michael Duffy, said the society was delighted with the decision which would sustain the future of the RDS and the Horse Show on the site.