Billionaire’s wife fears flooding of home

Planning consultants for the wife of billionaire, Dermot Desmond have warned that the Desmond property on one of Ireland’s most sought after addresses at Dublin 4’s Ailesbury Rd faces increased flooding risk if a neighbour’s basement plan proceeds.

In November, Dublin City Council granted planning permission to Karen Reihill to proceed with the 1,650sq ft basement plan that has a much larger floorspace that an average three-bedroom semi-detached home.

The basement will include two en-suite bedrooms, a playroom and plant room accessed via a lift. The plan also includes the demolition of an existing two-storey extension above ground and its replacement.