Bord allows compulsory purchase by council of bitterly disputed city park

AN Bord Pleanála has given Dublin City Council permission to go ahead with the compulsory purchase of a park in Ranelagh, which has been at the centre of a bitter dispute between local residents and its owner.

However, Athlone businessman, Noel O’Gara has vowed to continue with a legal challenge to prevent the local authority from acquiring Dartmouth Square Park from him.

The defiant owner said yesterday he was prepared to take a High Court action to challenge the constitutionality of planning legislation which is forcing him to sell his property to Dublin City Council. “A CPO is a polite word for confiscation,” said Mr O’Gara.