Park owner to challenge order

THE owner of a park in south Dublin is to mount a Supreme Court challenge to prevent Dublin City Council from compulsorily acquiring the site.

Athlone businessman Noel O’Gara said yesterday he was preparing an appeal against planning legislation that is preventing him from implementing his controversial plans to convert Dartmouth Square in Ranelagh into a car park.

Mr O’Gara said the local authority has only offered him €100,000 for the two-acre park, which he values in excess of €175m, despite acquiring the property for €11,000 in 2005.