Michael O’Flynn housing project blocked

A major housing development planned by Cork developer Michael O’Flynn has been blocked amid concerns over flooding risks.

Mr O’Flynn’s proposed 164-house development in Cabinteely, south Dublin, was refused planning permission by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council last week after it deemed it to be “unacceptable” and at risk of flooding.

The council also added that the proposed development was “contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area” and could “seriously injure the amenities or depreciate the value of property in the vicinity”, according to the Sunday Business Post.

The developer, who earlier this year reached a settlement with private equity company, Blackstone, which saw him retain a number of key sites after the US firm sought to put the O’Flynn group into examinership, was reported to be “mystified” by the decision after a year of work which included five pre-planning meetings with units of the council.

These included the planning department; roads and transport department and drainage department.

“Having been involved in numerous planning applications of varying complexity, this result is difficult to understand. Our objective is to deliver much-needed housing and, despite this setback, I am confident we will find a way forward,” said Mr O’Flynn.

The proposed development, details of which were laid out in a 524-page planning application, was to be completed in five phases over three years. Mr O’Flynn bought the 5.3-hectare site at Beech Park last year for approximately €13m.