Appeals board ignores safety issues flagged in heritage harbour development plan
The Bulloch Harbour Preservation Association is seeking a Judicial Review of granted planning permission for development described as an ‘ill considered proposal’ at the south Dublin heritage harbour.
“We need to overturn the irrational decision of An Bord Pleanála to grant planning permission for the Bartra development… and our only option is to seek a Judicial Review in the High Court.
“The High Court is the only body that has the power to quash a decision by a public body such as ABP,” remarked Danielle Byrne.
The BHPA is launching a fund campaign ‘to get justice for Bulloch, protect our heritage harbour and stop housing being built on a site regularly flooded by extreme wave over-topping’.
Throughout the consultation period, the plan was overwhelmingly rejected by locals, harbour users, public representatives and public bodies, and was comprehensively refused planning permission by Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council.
Over-topping at Bulloch Harbour during an easterly storm
Storm frequency and severity is on the increase with 60ft waves over-topping the harbour not unusual.
“It has to be seen to be believed; the resulting flooding can totally overwhelm the area,” remarked Des-Burke Kennedy, BHPA.
“There is no drainage system known to humankind which could cope with this. Clearly it is just not a residential site.”
Proposed plan
The development, comprising six shop units with overhead apartments, a café and three, three-storey houses, was also rejected by ABP’s own planning inspector, but that decision was over-ruled by the board.
Top: artist impression of the development plan
Broadcaster and local resident Pat Kenny says he has lost confidence in ABP to properly adjudicate on planning applications.
He described ABP inspectors as the board’s “boots on the ground” who were employed to gather intelligence.
“So I am wondering if the board is fit-for-purpose when it continues to ignore its own inspectors. Are they only there for window dressing?”
Mike Flannery, CEO of Barta Capital Property said the decision “marks a positive day for Bulloch Harbour” and the company looked forward to “enhancing the environs”.
