Lansdowne Road hearing begins today
Objectors want the plans put forward by Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company Ltd scaled back and the designs redrafted to fit in more with the local environment.
However, the company said it has developed a design that is sympathetic to the local area.
An Bord Pleanála has set aside 11 days for the hearing at the Gresham Hotel and the first submissions are expected to be given at 10am this morning.
More than 30 objections were lodged with An Bord Pleanála against the decision by Dublin City Council to grant planning permission for the development subject to 28 conditions.
Most objectors claim the plans — which would see the height of the stadium rise to 160ft — would have an adverse effect on the character of the area and the quality of life of its residents.
They are concerned the redevelopment will result in major overshadowing of houses and increased traffic.
Objectors also claim the proposed 50,000-seater arena contravenes the council’s development plan, and have questioned if the Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company (LRSDC) has proper title to the land.
Among the opposition groups are residents’ associations from Havelock Square, Lansdowne Road, Bath Avenue, Shelbourne Road and O’Connell Gardens as well as the Ringsend, Irishtown and Sandymount Environment Group.
Once the planning process has been cleared, Sports Minister John O’Donoghue has said he is confident the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road will be complete by 2009.
UEFA general secretary Lars Christer Olsen has said a UEFA Cup final would take place at the redeveloped Lansdowne Road, perhaps as early as 2010.
Earlier this week, Finance Minister Brian Cowen assigned €76 million of the €316.87m he allocated to Irish sports in his Budget for 2007 to the Lansdowne Road project.
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