Bord Pleanála to decide on Dartmouth Square situation

An Bord Pleanála is set to decide today whether to allow Dublin City Council to compulsorily purchase Dartmouth Square in the Ranelagh area of Dublin.

The council has issued a compulsory purchase order for the park, which is owned by Athlone businessman Noel O'Gara.

Mr O'Gara wants to use the land as a car park, but a High Court injunction has prevented him from carrying out his plans.

The move has led to protests from Ranelagh residents, who say the park is a local amenity that should never be transformed into a car park.