ESRI opposes apartment block plan in Dublin’s Docklands

The ESRI and developer Johnny Ronan have emerged as opponents to Greg Kavanagh’s plans to construct a seven-storey apartment block in Dublin’s Docklands.

Last month, Mr Kavanagh — through his Balark Investments vehicle — lodged plans for the 91 apartments on St John Rogerson’s Quay.

Mr Kavanagh’s New Generation Homes paid €42m for the so-called Hickey site that contains the planned development.

Ahead of the planning objections being lodged, Balark Investments, through legal representatives William J Brennan & Co, sought to reassure Dublin City Council.

In the letter dated March 9, it concluded: “For the avoidance of doubt, the company is the holder of the long leasehold tenant’s interests for each of lots 2 to 7 under the relevant respective leases. None of these leases require the consent of the freehold owner to make the application.”

The ESRI occupies the building fronting Whitaker Square directly to the east of the planned development and, in an objection to the plan, consultant Declan Brassil states that the proposed development should be refused or amended.

According to Mr Brassil, the form, height, and massing of the application has the potential to significantly and adversely impact the ESRI property due to the significant loss of daylight and sunlight.

Separately, consultants for Johnny Ronan’s Chambury Investments states that Chambury Investments’ part-ownership of the total site area amounts to 20% and “is substantial and cannot be ignored”.