Cash back windfall for building firm

ONE of the country’s largest development firms has been given the equivalent of a €1.7 million ‘cash back’ windfall thanks to An Bord Pleanála.

O’Flynn Construction has had a proposed Cork City Council development levy for an apartment tower reduced from a hefty €4.3m to €2.6m.

And, adding to the lucky streak, the county’s largest building and development firm - headed by Michael O’Flynn - was granted planning permission from the Board for a contested development of 74 houses and apartments on Maryborough Hill, Douglas.

The multi-million euro levy reduction relates to O’Flynn Construction’s council-approved plans for a 17-storey apartment tower, shops, offices and car parking development on Eglinton Street, right next door to City Hall.

At 70 metres, it will be the largest building in the country, until eclipsed by a taller proposed building of up to 32 storeys in Dublin.

The company can now proceed in 2006 with the scheme, worth up to €150m, on a site bought from An Post for €15m.

Designed by Wilson Architecture, it has planning for 217 apartments, own-door offices, some retail and over 500 car parking spaces.

The scheme, which was endorsed as Cork’s first real high-rise development by city manager Joe Gavin, was granted planning without even going to third party appeal to An Bord Pleanála.

Meanwhile, O’Flynns were given approval this week for 45 apartments and 29 houses at Elden, Maryborough Hill in Douglas, which included the demolition of 56 Rochestown Rise.

It had been objected to by neighbours, and Cork County Council’s decision to reduce the apartment block by one floor was overturned by An Bord Pleanála, who allowed the extra floor to go ahead.