Objectors hit back at Dublin Mountain 'vanity project' as council plays down environmental impact of visitor centre

The promoters of a controversial new visitor centre proposed for the Dublin Mountain have claimed it will have no adverse impact on protected wildlife and habitats in the area.

South Dublin County Council claims new surveys show increased visitors numbers arising from the development of the €19m centre, which is proposed to be located on Montpellier Hill near the iconic Hellfire Club in Rathfarnham, were unlikely to lead to a significant rise in numbers venturing further into the uplands and accessing protected sites through the existing trail network.