Objections to plans by the Royal Dublin Society to develop its site at Ballsbridge.
As part of the planning application, the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) wants to knock down some buildings and build five new structures. While not all local people are against the proposed development, Dublin City Council has received objections.
It's one of Ireland's best known landmarks. It's hosted exhibitions, conferences and shows. And now, the RDS wants to build more.
The RDS has lodged a planning application designed to change the layout at Ballsbridge. The plans include the construction of 189 underground car parking spaces, the demolition of certain buildings and the improvement of others. Five new, four to six storey buildings would be constructed.
Colm MacEochaidh, legal adviser to the objectors to the plans, says that the RDS is now engaged in the business of property development. He believes the plan is the build a business park on the scale of the Irish Financial Services Centre.
It's a big departure for the RDS to destroy the somewhat charming Victorian atmosphere of this area.
The Pembroke Residents' Association have now joined An Taisce in objecting to the plans. Dublin City Council has yet to make a decision on the application.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 August 2003. The reporter is Barry Cummins.
