Campaigners against a controversial housing development in St Anne's Park suffered a huge blow today after permission was granted to build 657 apartments at the site.
The development will include 378 two-bed, 224 one-bed, and 55 three-bed apartments, as well as a range of amenities including meeting rooms, a gym and a 115 space creche.The plans were initially submitted in October last year under the fast-track Strategic Housing Development system. Before the case was due to be heard ABP decided not to oppose the review on the basis that "the Board failed to conduct an appropriate assessment in accordance with the requirements of the Habitats Directive", quashing the planning permission.
Local Councillor Donna Cooney submitted one of over 650 objections to the development, citing concern that the area was a significant feeding spot for Brent Geese.Councillor Cooney told Dublin Live this set a "dangerous precedent" in relation to the protection of wild animals."Birdwatch Ireland and people who are experts in that field who put in their submissions and looked for a rejection of the application.