It has been claimed that developer Sean Dunne's plans for a 37-storey tower in Ballsbridge would not contravene Dublin's existing planning policy.
But a Bord Pleanála hearing into the re-development of the Jurys and Berkeley Court site has also heard objections to the proposed high rise development.
Dublin City Council officials gave permission for an 18-storey tower with apartments, hotel and shopping centre on the site that Sean Dunne bought for more than €50m an acre. But it refused a 37-storey building and ruled out office development because there was no zoning to allow it.
Town planner Tom Philips, who represents 44 individual appeals supporting Mr Dunne, said the tower should be allowed as it did not interfere with the city centre skyline and was comparable to the Heuston Gateway development.
He also pointed out that Bord Pleanála had the power to disregard zoning and allow office development. But local residents are objecting to the permission granted by the city council officials.
They say this decision disregards councillors, who voted to refuse high rise and prime urban centre development.
Residents complain that the proposed buildings will be cliff-like, coming straight onto the pavement, and say existing water and traffic infrastructure will not be able to cope.
Former Progressive Democrats leader and local resident Des O'Malley said it would be a sad day if the destruction of one of Dublin's more attractive suburbs were allowed.
