2017-06-01 · Dublin
High Court dismisses challenge to large-scale Howth housing development
The High Court dismissed a challenge brought by teacher Christian Morris against An Bord Pleanala's approval of a €22 million development in Howth, Co. Dublin. The project, approved on 20 June, would replace industrial and commercial buildings with 145 apartments, 51 houses, six commercial units, a community/sports hall, a public park, a plaza and cycle and pedestrian paths on a 4.4‑hectare site. Morris argued that the development would flood the area with cheap housing, cause traffic congestion, and force the council to sell a public park to a private developer without replacement. He also sought an injunction to compel Glenkerrin Homes and its receivers to clean up and demolish parts of the site. The judge found Morris's claims outside the strict time limits for a judicial review, that he had no standing for the injunction, and therefore dismissed all his actions. The decision confirms the council's and the board's approvals remain in force.