Dublin skyline ‘was going to change’

THE Dublin skyline was going to change with a trend towards tall buildings, the planning appeal against the refusal for a 37-storey Ballsbridge development proposed by property magnate Seán Dunne was told yesterday.

Landscape architect Thomas Burns said Ballsbridge was already home to some significant mid-rise developments and permission was recently granted for high-rise developments, including: Quay Lodge, Grand Canal Quay — 16 storey tower; Military Road, Kilmainham — 32-storey tower; U2 tower, Sir John Rogerson Quay — 35-storey tower and the Watch Tower, Point Village — 39-storey tower.

He said the removal of existing trees would be perceived as a significant negative impact, but in mitigation, the development proposed a significant landscape scheme including the replanting of nearly three times as many semi-mature trees. Mr Burns added that the development would not adversely alter the distinctive urban character of existing properties.