Courts / Dublin / Report

Challenge to development in historic area of Georgian Dublin is fast-tracked

Date
2021-03-22

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

The High Court has admitted a challenge to a €30m co-living development in Georgian Dublin to the fast-track Commercial Court list. The North Great George's Street Preservation Society, representing local residents, seeks to quash An Bord Pleanála's June 2020 decision to grant planning permission for 132 residential units at North Great George's Street and Hill Street. The developer, Hillstreet Limited Partnership, applied for fast-tracking, citing commercial urgency and €5m in prior expenditure. Counsel for Hillstreet argued that delays would increase costs, and both parties agreed to a telescoped hearing where the leave application and the action itself would be heard simultaneously. Mr Justice David Barniville was satisfied the matter should be admitted to the list. The Society alleges the planning decision is flawed, claiming the board unreasonably found the development would not injure the area's heritage and failed to conduct a proper Environmental Impact Assessment screening. They further claim the board breached EU directives regarding environmental impact assessments. The Society seeks declarations of non-compliance and an order quashing the board's decision. The matter was adjourned and will be next mentioned before the court in May.