Republican News · Thursday 31 January 2002

Kilmainham planning victory

Bord Pleanála's decision on Friday 12 July to refuse planning permission for a massive office development opposite Kilmainham Gaol has been welcomed by Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South-Central.

Aengus was a member of the Friends of Kilmainham Gaol campaign who opposed the development and he also made a personal presentation at An Bord Pleanála's oral hearing.

"The victors in this long planning battle are the residents of Kilmainham and Inchicore who stood together against this monstrous and inappropriate development," he said.

"With the rejection of these plans, I again call on the minister responsible for protecting our heritage to enter into negotiations with Treasury Holdings to purchase the site, or at the very least to jointly plan for appropriate buildings.

"A building that enhances the tourism potential of the site, fits in with the historic architectural fabric of the area and does not overshadow the houses on Inchicore Road and South Circular Road should be planned.

"Congratulations is deserved by all those who campaigned against Charmside's (Treasury Holdings) monstrosity."