High-rise ‘is of national importance’

SUPPORTERS of a controversial high-rise development in Ballsbridge claim there is no planning justification for refusing the 37-storey building proposed by property developer Seán Dunne.

The first day of an oral hearing of An Bord Pleanála (ABP) into the project has heard how the planned 132-metre tower containing 182 apartments would not contravene the 2005-2011 development plan of Dublin City Council.

Town planner Tom Phillips, who represents 45 parties who support the project, claimed yesterday that An Bord Pleanála had the power to grant planning permission for the proposed development on the site of the former Jurys and Berkeley Court hotels in Ballsbridge because it was a project of “national, strategic importance”.